Tech Hero in Another World
Chapter 55: [54] The World Tree

Chapter 55: [54] The World Tree

Ren looked down at the fruit in his hand, a small, softly glowing object said to grant extraordinary power—a power that sounded almost unfair. And yet, he felt no hunger or ambition to claim it. From the very beginning, the power of Material Transmutation hadn’t been something he wished for—it was simply something he had been born with. And so, he used it only as needed.

If he had a choice, Ren would rather use his own hands, his own mind. He found more satisfaction in the results of his hard work: designing, shaping, and building technology with his own hands. It wasn’t about efficiency—it was about freedom and creativity.

"I see," Ren murmured, looking once more at the fruit with a faint, unreadable smile.

"Mmm!" Fia chirped brightly, swinging her body in midair. "Mama said she wants to give that to you!"

"Mama?" Ren tilted his head, puzzled. "Who do you mean by ’Mama’?"

Fia spread her tiny arms wide and floated higher into the air, spinning around with a radiant grin on her face.

"Of course! We’re standing in Mama’s domain!" she said plainly, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Ren slowly looked up—and only then truly realized where they were standing.

The World Tree...

He remained silent, torn between awe and disbelief. The realization that the "Mama" Fia referred to was the World Tree itself nearly left him speechless. But even though his heart was stunned, his mind stayed clear.

He looked again at the starfruit glowing gently in his palm. Then, with a calm smile, he returned it to the fairy’s tiny hands.

"Here... I’m sorry, but I don’t need it," he said softly.

"Eeeh!?" Fia flew back a little, her eyes wide. "But why!?"

Ren shrugged, then gazed at the sky peeking through the wide branches. "Why...? I guess it’s because what I already have is enough. I want to grow and improve through my own effort. If I accepted a power this great just like that... it’d feel like taking a shortcut—and that’s boring."

Fia hugged the fruit again, puffing her cheeks. "Mmm! You’re weird!"

Ren chuckled lightly, his laugh loose and easy. "Hahaha... That’s just who I am."

Hearing his answer, Fia simply hugged the fruit tighter and stared at him with a curious mix of wonder and confusion. Her little wings fluttered gently, as if responding to something unseen.

Then, a soft breeze blew from the direction of the World Tree’s trunk. The fruit in Fia’s hands dissolved into particles of light. The massive leaves rustled with a sound like whispers, and the air around them filled with delicate golden motes. Ren felt his skin tingle—not from fear, but from sheer reverence.

Fia slowly turned, as though hearing something only she could understand. Then she looked at Ren again, this time with a calmer, more serene smile.

"Mama said..." Fia began, her voice gentle yet clear, "...you’re a strange human—but a pleasant one. It’s rare to find someone who can turn down power without a restless heart."

Ren simply exhaled slowly, listening without interrupting.

"She also said," Fia continued, floating closer to Ren, her tiny face glowing softly, "...’If he doesn’t want the fruit, then I shall give him something else.’"

Ren sighed, looking at her with a calm expression. "Didn’t I already say my answer was clear? I don’t want to accept gifts I can’t repay."

Fia lowered her gaze for a moment, then looked back up with a small smile. "Mama said... ’That’s okay. He’ll repay it in time. By protecting the Elves—my children as well—that’s enough to return the favor.’"

Ren opened his mouth to respond, but before he could say a word, a gentle warmth spread from his chest. In an instant, a glowing symbol shaped like three leaves forming a crown lit up on his skin, slowly merging into his body.

"Ooh! Mama gave you a blessing!" Fia cried out with joy, spinning through the air in delight.

Ren looked down at his hands, both confused and intrigued. "Haaah... I told you I didn’t want anything. But... what blessing is this?"

"That’s the Blessing of Nature’s Affinity!" Fia declared proudly. "From now on, you’ll be able to sense the presence of nature spirits—like me! The little ones can understand your heart too!"

Ren stood silently for a moment, then gave a small nod. "I see... If it’s just this, then I suppose I can accept it. And yes, it feels like a fair trade."

Fia giggled happily, like a child who had successfully shared her favorite toy. Meanwhile, a soft wind passed through the branches of the World Tree, as if nodding in agreement with their decision.

Ren looked up at the sky between the leaves, realizing how much time had passed. The test was over, and the coming war would not wait for anyone. He exhaled quietly, then turned to Fia, who was still spinning in the air, her eyes gleaming with hope.

"Fia," Ren called gently. "I have to go now."

"Eeeh?" Fia leaned forward, her face popping up in front of Ren’s helmet. "Then I’ll come with you! I want to see your world up close!"

Ren shook his head slowly, a small yet firm smile on his face. "I can’t let you. I’ll always be in danger—even spirits like you might not survive it."

Fia blinked, clearly disappointed, but still unwilling to give up. "But I can hide! I can get reaaally tiny, you know! I won’t be a bother—I promise!"

But before she could plead any further, a warm breeze suddenly swirled gently around them. The leaves of the massive branch rustled quietly, and golden light rained down like dancing stardust. Fia froze in place, as though hearing a voice Ren could not.

"A-Ah..." she murmured, lowering her head, her expression softening. "Mama says... I’m not allowed to go."

Ren simply looked at her, not asking further. He knew—the World Tree had spoken.

"She says my task here isn’t done yet... and that I’ll see you again. When the time is right." Fia smiled gently, her eyes beginning to shimmer with tears. "You promise, right? We’ll meet again?"

Ren nodded slowly, then turned around as the thrusters on his back began to glow blue. "I promise. Take good care of this place, Fia."

And in a flash, the sound of engines split the air. Ren shot back into the sky, leaving behind the massive branch and its warm, glowing light. Behind him, Fia hovered quietly, her tiny hand waving with a smile—and all around her, the wind and light of the World Tree swirled gently, as if embracing her, keeping her safe.

###

As Ren glided back toward the Elven castle, the night sky stretched above him like a velvet canopy dotted with stars. The pale moonlight framed his silhouette from behind, while the soft hum of his jet wings gently sliced through the quiet night. But then, his gaze was drawn to an unusual warm light down below.

In the middle of a grassy clearing lit by small torches and the shimmer of moonlight stood a girl with a bow in hand. Elaria. Ren’s breath caught for a moment as he saw her standing firm, drawing her bowstring with complete focus. Around her, a faint aura shimmered in the night air—and thanks to the World Tree’s blessing, Ren could see it clearly: a small wind spirit, shaped like a glowing green bird, danced softly along the path of her arrows.

"Hm... training even in the middle of the night, huh?" Ren murmured as he hovered horizontally, keeping his distance above. His eyes were locked on Elaria—who no longer looked fragile. Those eyes, once clouded with despair, now burned with a quiet resolve, like embers glowing steadily in the darkness.

He considered descending to speak to her, but instead let out a gentle sigh. "No need. Let her find her own way."

With one last push from the thrusters on his back, Ren drifted down toward the castle grounds, now lit only by the moon and a few hanging lanterns. The night breeze swept across the surface of his armor, cooling the residual heat from his recent test flight.

As he landed, Ren touched the center of his chestplate, and the metallic armor began to open like the petals of a mechanical flower. One by one, the segments detached and dropped softly to the ground with a quiet clink, until his body was freed from the combat shell.

He stood still for a moment, breathing deeply, eyes resting on the now-open armor before him. "Alright... Let’s review," he muttered, bending down to inspect each core component.

(From a stability standpoint, the improvement is significant. The cooling system performs much better thanks to the mithril-lined circuits... But even so, in terms of sheer offensive power, this armor still falls short,) Ren thought, eyes focused on the glowing diagnostics monitor at the portable workshop console.

(That’s intentional... I didn’t build it to charge in like a tank. It’s meant for speed, precision, and efficiency. Veskar—he’s an insect, a hornet... his movements are unpredictable, and his spear technique is extraordinary. In a one-on-one fight, I can’t afford to be a step behind.)

Ren folded his arms, leaning back against the car that had once again transformed into his portable workshop. His expression remained calm, but it was clear his mind was still racing through countless battle scenarios.

"Yeah... Everything’s ready now. All that’s left is to wait for the war to begin tomorrow."

Inside the Elven Kingdom’s castle, in one of the deepest rooms protected by layered magical wards, the silence was nearly sacred. Moonlight poured through a stained glass window, casting serene reflections over the pristine white bed where a crystalline cocoon had been carefully placed. Its surface was smooth like a gemstone, but it pulsed with life—as if breathing in slow, steady rhythms.

For a long time, the cocoon had remained still. But tonight, under the full moon’s glow, something changed.

A small crack appeared on its surface—barely visible, yet enough to ripple the magical atmosphere within the room.

Then a faint sound... crack... like ice breaking under the sun’s first light.

The cocoon’s surface pulsed. Once. Then again. Cracks spread like black roots spiraling across the glass-like shell.

And in the next moment, a pair of lights flickered from within—not just a reflection of magic, but a gaze. The gaze of something that... had finally awakened.