"The Water of Life actually works on almost all living beings. For example, the trees around the Lake of Life grow far more vigorously than those elsewhere."
It was true. The trees around the Lake of Life were astoundingly lush, some even stretching up to pierce the clouds.
"That's because the Water of Life contains the energy of life itself. But if a magical beast stays near the Water of Life, it can grow tremendously large as well," Tias revealed, sharing a shocking secret.
"That day, it was simply because I wasn't paying close enough attention that a powerful beast managed to sneak a drink from the Water of Life." Tias' voice was filled with regret. In the end, this incident had been her fault—she had been careless.
"At that time, the Nue hadn't yet undergone its mutation, so I didn't think much of it and simply drove it away," Tias recalled, remembering what had happened that night.
"It was the day I met you that I realized something was wrong in the forest. At first, I thought it was you, the human, who had caused the disturbance." Tias glanced at Noel apologetically, clearly embarrassed by the misunderstanding.
"After all, most elves have a very poor impression of humans—you know that. But today, I've learned that's not always true. All you did was set a few traps, have a meal, and, well… live in the forest for a bit."
Noel felt a bit awkward, realizing that everything he had done had been seen—and now Tias was openly talking about it.
"Can we skip talking about me, please?" Noel said, embarrassed.
"Fine, we'll leave that aside." Tias continued, "After I realized it wasn't you, I didn't pay it much mind at first, but the unrest within the forest kept growing, and eventually, I had no choice but to investigate."
"That was when I discovered the creature. To call it a creature isn't quite right—it was the legendary Nue."
"That's when I realized that the Nue in the legends was actually just a mutated beast."
"After that, I tried everything I could think of to get rid of it, but nothing worked. The vines could only restrict its movement. Later, I considered using poison, but you told me it wouldn't work, so I abandoned that plan too."
"The main issue is that the Nue's hide is incredibly tough. Even a Wind Blade can't cut through it, so using poisoned thorns would be pointless." Noel emphasized once again.
"So that's why you ended up being chased here by the Nue… and you even managed to sneak a drink of the Water of Life." Tias said lightly, "We don't need to discuss your little 'theft' anymore."
"And everything after that, you already know." Noel nodded, finally understanding how it all connected.
"There's one more important matter I need your help with. You truly are a good person, and you have earned my trust. That's why I've decided to form a spirit contract with you."
Tias' proposal was so sudden that it left Noel stunned. Everyone knew that a person could only form a single spirit contract in their lifetime—there was no such thing as a second contract. Noel couldn't believe it.
"What's with that look? You don't believe me, do you?" Tias said smugly, enjoying the moment, seeing something she knew that he didn't.
"You see, the contract you formed with Sylph was a 'mutual contract,' whereas this one I'm offering is a 'voluntary contract.' They're completely different types of contracts, and since a voluntary contract is initiated by the spirit, humans can't form them on their own."
Tias explained a long, complex theory about contracts, and Noel, who had never studied it, felt his head spinning.
"Even though you're just a human, you're nothing like what I thought humans were. I really like kids like you, and I hope there will be more like you among humans."
Tias found herself daydreaming about a world where humans and elves could live together in peace. How wonderful that world would be if it could exist.
"May that wish come true," Noel said sincerely.
"Actually, the Water of Life was merely the forest's way of repaying you. Now, I wish to repay you in my own way."
Tias hadn't thought too deeply about it. Signing a contract with this child before her didn't seem like a bad thing at all.
Moreover, she was curious about the outside world, but as a wood elf, she was bound to the forest by nature. So, she wanted Noel to become her eyes.
"But this contract will be led by me, and a spirit can only lead a single contract in their lifetime. By choosing you, it means you've earned my recognition." Tias' face was glowing with joy. Being able to sign a contract with someone she truly connected with was every spirit's dream, and now, her dream was coming true.
Suddenly, a green light radiated from Tias, and the aura of life began to flow gently toward Noel.
Noel didn't know exactly what this energy was, but he could tell it harbored no malice.
He could feel it—warm and gentle, enveloping him softly.
"I, Tias, swear by the Lake of Life, to bestow my blessing upon Noel Mantestr." Tias declared solemnly.
A blessing ceremony led personally by a spirit was one of the highest honors within elven culture. Many elves went their entire lives, from their birth in nature to their death within it, without ever conducting such a ceremony.
Elves were peculiar beings. Though born pure and holy in nature, they often believed humans were inherently flawed.
It was a kind of unspoken prejudice between races, though it was true that humans were indeed a species full of flaws. That much had to be acknowledged.
The ceremony continued, and Noel felt the energy of life slowly merging with his body.
"I, Tias, hereby grant the first blessing of the Wood Elf Clan upon Noel Manchester: the Blessing of Life's Protection."
"I, Tias, hereby grant the second blessing of the Wood Elf Clan upon Noel Manchester: the Whisper of the Leaves."
Tias conducted the ceremony with complete focus, without any hesitation.
Though she had never personally performed this ritual before, she followed the ancient memories of her race to carry it out faithfully.
"How do you feel? Doesn't the whole forest feel different now?" Tias asked eagerly, knowing that the Whisper of the Leaves would allow Noel to understand the voices of nature.
While it wasn't a particularly powerful ability, its practical uses were unmatched. With this blessing, he would be able to move freely within the forest.
"I think I can hear the trees talking to me… Is it just my imagination, or did I damage my ears during the fight?" Noel asked, curious, hearing a faint buzzing around his ears.
"That's the blessing I gave you. It's a rare gift, something only the wood elves possess." Tias said proudly.
"It's such a precious gift…" Noel said, feeling shy.
"Don't feel shy. You've earned it." Tias said, then added mysteriously, "Now, can you guess what the last blessing is?"
Noel's interest was piqued. "Elemental affinity with wood?"
"Nope."
"Control over vines?"
"Wrong again."
"I give up. There's no way I can guess it," Noel said. The possibilities were too broad.
"That's for you to discover yourself. I'm not telling," Tias said mischievously.
"Come on, tell me!" Noel pleaded, giving her the big, innocent eyes of a child, and Tias found herself unable to resist for long.
"Alright, fine, don't look at me like that. I'll tell you—it's the Blessing of Life." Tias huffed, "The two best blessings I have, and I've given them both to you. Do you realize how good I've been to you?"
"I do," Noel replied softly.
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