The Martial Unity
chapter-2118

The Elder Tree was inhuman in its mind.

That was, to a certain degree, self-evident. But Rui had specified that it was more different than one might expect. For one, it was not capable of anger and hatred. This was good on the surface, but Rael had absolutely no idea how that would impact their relationship. This uncertainty was something that was intolerable for someone who operated with certainty of success.

Furthermore, none of the literature on the biosphere of the Beast Domain gave him what he needed to know, for it did not record anything about an intelligent tree so massive that it dwarfed mountain ranges.

That was why he had consulted the only other person who knew more about the Elder Tree than Rui.

"Ah, the Elder Tree species," the Divine Doctor mused. "Fascinating species of flora, really. The most interesting flora lifeform after this one." He gazed at the alien lifeform with deep curiosity.

"Be that as it may…" Emperor Rael's eyes shifted back. "…I am here to ask you about the Elder Tree, not the alien specimen."

"Hm, temperamentally, it's a creature that can be characterized by high-trait agreeableness and openness. It would score zero as far as trait neuroticism goes," the Divine Doctor absentmindedly remarked. "I know plenty more, but nothing pertaining to what you surely care about."

No amount of prodding could draw much more information.

"It is highly willing and able to conduct agreements," he told Rael. "It doesn't engage in charity beyond the Garden of Salvation, but it also does not disenfranchise. I would suspect that as a species that is part of the plant kingdom that nourishes all other life, it is fundamentally devoid of predatory instincts. Yet, simultaneously, it does not trust without reason too."

That was reassuring, considering that it was echoed by his son, who was also an insightful man. Together with that, Emperor Rael formulated an approach to building a rapport with the Elder Tree.

Straightforward sincerity.

From what he could tell, this was the best option when dealing with the Elder Tree. This was especially the case when Rui had already established an agreement with it. All Rael needed to do was reaffirm it, and build on top of it.

STEP

He stepped outside of the vehicle, followed by a squadron of Martial Masters and, of course, a Martial Sage in the form of the hidden Sage Sayfeel.

"And you're sure that it's entirely established as per the specifications I gave you?" Emperor Rael asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Of course, Your Majesty. We have made sure to follow your instructions right down to the last detail."

In order to avoid drawing suspicion or attention, Emperor Rael had disguised the forest trees of the blood connector trees as a simple ecological and agricultural project.

And, for the most part, it succeeded. Not a single person who worked at the facility managing the Elder Tree Connection, barring the head whom Rael had personally appointed, knew the truth. It minimized the probability of a leak happening. That would inadvertently trigger the third East Panamic War.

He had his official bodyguards wait outside, secretly entering the forest that had specifically been planted to communicate with the Elder Tree.

"Sayfeel."

"Always here, Your Majesty. Rest assured, nothing can harm you."

"Good to know. I am counting on you if something goes wrong."

STEP

He entered into the forest, observing the trees that constituted the forest. He had ensured that everything adhered to the specifications that Rui had shared with him in the information report and summary. so that he would be able to handle all the super treasures brought back home.

The trees had veins and arteries of red blood just like a mammal did. A deeply unsettling sight that would give anybody pause. It was only a wonder why the Elder Tree needed this particular species to communicate over long distances.

RUMBLE…

Emperor Rael narrowed his eyes as tremors radiated from within the forest. He felt a faint sense of pressure on his mind, one born of an astronomical power differential.

STEP

He found himself having arrived at the center of the forest. "Your Majesty…" "I am aware." Emperor Rael's gaze swept across the entire forest. He could sense it.

He could sense the gaze of a tremendously powerful being so far above himself in its state of life.

Yet, his powerful gaze did not buckle.

His head was held high while his back remained straight as an arrow.

He was the Emperor of Kandria.

No matter what, he would always carry himself in a manner that was befitting the Emperor of the Kandrian Empire.

You truly are as you were in your offspring's memories.

Emperor Rael narrowed his eyes.

Non-verbal communication. That too of a caliber he had never seen before.

The 'voice' spoke in his head before he could fathom its precise origin.

Despite having spoken no more than a single time, the Elder Tree continued, you left a deep impact on your son. I have looked forward to this meeting for a long time, Emperor of Harmony. "You know me, do you?" Emperor Rael chose to match the informality that the Elder Tree had set. "I thought I would need to introduce myself."

I most certainly know of the sole human that embodies harmony as much as I do, the Elder Tree replied with hopeful eagerness. While your progeny touted harmony deceitfully, you are different. You are a man who truly embodies harmony to its very core. He could sense an almost innocent sincerity from the voice that spoke in his head.

"Tell me." Emperor Rael narrowed his eyes. "Is your pact with my son contingent on me?"

No. I made the decision to form a pact with him regardless of you. In fact, I did not expect to meet you here. I did not think that your seed would succeed in healing you. But the fact that you stand before me instead of him is proof that he did.