As the problem with his dark core was completely solved and even got upgraded in the process, not only could Emery once again use [Spatial Gate] to move outside the Khaos space, he also felt the spell was much easier to cast and the gate formed was more stable than before.

When he walked out of the gate and stepped onto the stone formation, Emery swiftly checked his darkness spells one by one out of curiosity to see their improvement, as he was sure all of those spells had been certainly enhanced as well.

​​

[Hide in Shadow], [Enfeeble Blade] and [Dark Matter]; one at the time, Emery casted each spell and witnessed their current prowess. As expected, they had undergone a substantial improvement, which definitely would help him in the future.

Another unexpected benefit was his [Spatial Storage] spell, allowing him to have his own personal space pocket inside of him to use. Now, that space was enlarged two fold, which was a really great boon for him.

The previously one meter cubic space had become a 2 meter cubic, and more space meant more objects to store, which resulted in convenience. This was definitely something to be happy about.

Unfortunately, no matter how much his spells had improved, Emery certainly got a mixed feeling regarding this 'upgrade'. He couldn't accept the fact that, from now on, he wouldn't be able to access his three other elements, which automatically translated into the spells on their branches.

He couldn't access his [Shadow Root Binding], [Jade Skin], [Shadow Mist] and all the other spells. Among the list of now inaccessible spells were even his two important spells: [Fragmentation] and [Nature Grasp], especially the latter, which was something he couldn't live without.

Therefore, Emery swiftly casted [Spatial Gate] and headed to the shrine. He had to see the High Priestess. Hopefully, she had a more acceptable solution for him.

The moment he stepped into the shrine, the Lady of the Lake apparently had been waiting for him with a concerned look on her face.

"I can see that you're having a huge trouble, Emery."

Emery was surprised for a moment and then said, "Please, High Priestess. If you have any way to better fix this problem, please tell me."

High Priestess Nimue slowly walked over to him and touched his forehead to check his current condition. After a while, Emery could see the former's face turned even more troubled than before.

The High Priestess let go and walked towards the tree before putting her hand on it. She kept her touch on the tree for quite some time, but Emery knew he couldn't interrupt whatever the former was doing at the moment. With how big of a problem he got himself into, he patiently waited for the former's answer.

A few minutes later, the High Priestess finally turned to him. "Emery…"

Emery could see the High Priestess still troubled, as she fell into thoughts for a moment.

"What is it, High Priestess? You can tell me directly."

High Priestess Nimue looked at him with a complicated gaze and eventually opened her mouth. "Gaia may have something for you, but it will take days to prepare. Therefore, you should leave this place and come back later."

Hearing there was an opportunity for him was enough to bring joy to Emery's face.

He then gave his utmost gratitude to the High Priestess as well as Gaia, before he exited the shrine. While waiting for that 'something', Emery decided to spend his time in the village together with the Fey sisters.

---

Three days had passed, and Emery still hadn't been summoned by the High Priestess. He wasn't sure why, but these few days he was more anxious than usual. He considered barging into the shrine when Chief Brenun came looking for him and handed him a small box.

Emery had a confused look on his face as he received the box.

Hearing it was from the High Priestess, he swiftly opened the box with gusto. Inside, there was a green seed as big as a peanut lying peacefully.

There was a certain glowing from a seed that quickly made him realize how precious this seed was.

Bewildered expression once again decorated Emery's face as he asked the village chief. "What is this, chief?"

As if he had expected the question, Chief Brenun quickly replied, "This is from the High Priestess. She said you should try casting your spells again after you eat it."

Emery nodded at that. Then, he asked a question that bothered him. "Chief, why didn't the High Priestess give me this herself?"

"The High Priestess, at the moment, was unavailable. But she said she will see you when you can make it bloom."

Emery was stunned by the message the High Priestess left for him. It was too cryptic, especially the mysterious seed.

The spell the High Priestess meant must be [Nature Grasp]. But if he couldn't even access his spirit then how could he cast the spell?

Leaving with questions in his mind, Emery made his way deep into the Forbidden Forest. He headed in the direction of a special spot that would allow him to cultivate in silence.

The moment he reached his usual spot, Emery took out the small seed from the box. Before consuming it, he decided to use [Analyze] on it because he was curious what exactly the object the High Priestess gave him.

[Analyze]

A moment later, a notification appeared on his mind, displaying the information of the seed; it surprised him.

[Heart of the Tree]

There was nothing except the name of the seed, which was truly surprising.

Though still in doubt, Emery eventually threw the seed into his mouth and waited for it to take effect. At first, there was nothing, but then, he slowly felt a warm sensation coming to his chest which was definitely from the seed. Therefore, Emery quickly delved into his body to see what was going on.

He could see the seed gradually dissolving and being absorbed into his body. After a few moments, there was a certain jolt in his body and Emery suddenly felt a foreign force going inside his spirit core and starting to gradually form next to his dark core. It was forming into a light in the shape of the seed itself.

After a while, Emery then realized the process was complete and, strangely, there was no notification in his mind at all or any information from his palm.

What was it that the high priestess just gave to him?

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Written by Avans, Published exclusively by W.e.b.n.o.v.e.l,