NOVEL WEB Chapter 3: Sweet Oak Tree (1)
The World Tree’s affection level was strange.
Was this even possible?
The word ‘World Tree’ held immense, worldwide value in this world.
Every renowned topic in the articles on the internet was always prefixed with ‘Worthy of the World Tree’s attention’. Even the contracts between companies or nations were conducted with strange ceremonies called ‘The Sacred Tree’s Oath’, not just mere mana contracts.
How could the World Tree, held so noble and praised as the center of the world, fall in love after a simple sexual contact?
[World Tree Auction] - [ Affection Menu]
▶Pure World Tree: ♥♥♥♥♥(100/100)
▶None
▶None※More bonds with saplings and sacred trees are needed.
It could, of course, be a misunderstanding.
Just because I held the position of a ‘husband candidate’, my affection level could be 100.
‘I need to investigate this.’
The meaning the World Tree held here. And the difference between the World Tree, saplings, and sacred trees. Someday, I needed to visit the library and research.
But this wasn’t bad since, due to high affection levels, I was able to obtain resources that allowed me to gain many benefits. Looking at the prices here, 10,000p was by no means a small amount.
I carefully perused the World Tree Auction. What I needed now were traits and abilities that could get me into the El Academy under the purview of the ‘World Tree of Justice’.
‘To have to prepare for another entrance exam after getting into a prestigious university…’
When I glanced at the shop earlier, there didn’t seem to be many abilities obtainable through points. Mostly, what the World Tree Auction sold were goods, equipment, and consumables. Unique traits, characteristics, and skills were mostly only obtainable through a gacha system.
‘100 times.’
The number of times I could draw with the points I had. There were only a few items I immediately needed among the items I could buy.
‘I know very well that gambling is a shortcut to ruining one’s life.’
But wasn’t this when my saved-up luck was supposed to come in handy? Boldly, I pressed the button, and a pet bottle appeared with a pop.
▶Mineral Water (F)
[Category: Consumable]
-Young saplings might like this.
(New items have been added to the shop. Items drawn from the gacha can be repurchased.)
“Damn.”
After emptying half the bottle, I threw it into the corner of the room. My hidden competitive spirit flared up. I, Lee Shiheon, could not stand losing. I mindlessly hit the button five times in rapid succession.
▶Sapling Fertilizer (E)
[Category: Consumable]
-You can monopolize the love of young saplings with this alone!
▶Mask of Patience (B)
[Category: Equipment]
-It radiates a lustful aura. The mask may be ugly, but you can become cool if you accept its aura over time.
-Effect 1: Charisma is fixed at 2 while wearing the mask.
-Effect 2: Charisma increases by a maximum of 1 when worn for 5 days. One-time use.
※This item cannot be used multiple times.
▶Mineral Water (F) x 3
-Details omitted.
Looking at the gacha results, I was certain.
“This tasteless water is a bust.”
Four out of six were equivalent to consolation tissue prizes. Sapling fertilizer was a step above the water… Maybe a leftover 5,000 won gift voucher if compared to prize draws? Meanwhile, the Mask of Patience had a value equivalent to a 200,000 won department store gift voucher.
-Charisma is fixed at 2, and wearing it for 5 days increases charisma by 1.
It was an artifact that immediately attracted my interest. My current charisma was in the negatives, so just by wearing the mask, I would essentially get a +4 adjustment, plus it increased charisma. Who would refuse? It was an essential item for me, whose self-esteem had hit rock bottom after all the criticism.
‘Luck 10 is paying off.’
But on second thought, didn’t a charisma of 2 still mean an ugly guy to other people?
Then what did –2 look like?
[(Below Goblin!) The World Tree of Purity informs you.]
The World Tree resolved my curiosity.
Well, damn it.
I stopped worrying about my looks and kept hitting the button until a usable ability came out.
-Tadadadadadadak!
▶ Swordsmanship Talent (E)
[Category: Trait]
-Displays decent talent in handling swords. Makes it easier to exhibit sword energy.
▶ Magic Talent (D)
[Category: Trait]
-Displays decent talent in handling magical power. It's a good talent for learning magic.
-BamBabaBam! The World Tree blesses you!
▶ Combat Type Body (S)
[Category: Unique Trait]
"A keen sense is, indeed, a violent talent in battle."
-Effect 1: Receive considerable adjustment in all combat activities.
Exactly at the 67th time, the ability I was waiting for appeared with a loud celebratory sound.
“Oh, Oh, Ooohoo!”
I immediately stood up from my seat, slapped my thigh, and cheered in joy. By any standards, it was a good ability. Having a combat-type body would be a reliable ally in this world dominated by pseudo-World Trees.
Of course, other things also appeared.
Such as water, water, and fertilizer.
Looking at the pile of items stacked behind me made me sigh at the thought of organizing them.
What should I do with these now?
Clean mineral water, thirty bottles. I could drink them while exercising.
Fertilizer. It could be used at a nearby farm.
The problem was that there were also a lot of miscellaneous items like tissues, which were burdensome.
“The highest rank among them is this…”
A mysterious pill that radiated a bright red aura. If it was a pill that replenished internal energy or magic, I would have put it in my mouth in a heartbeat, but the problem was that it wasn’t for humans.
▶ Tree Circle Pill (B) x 3
-A precious elixir for growing saplings. It contains mysterious energy that greatly aids in the growth of young saplings' abilities. However, it causes serious trouble if consumed by humans.
From its appearance rate, it seems to be one level above the sapling fertilizer. If I had to compare, maybe like a 500,000 won department store gift voucher? Even then, it was still garbage that I couldn’t consume.
How should I use this?
It was too precious to give to others, and it didn’t seem immediately usable. I casually stuffed the Tree Circle Pills into the pocket of my zippered sweatpants.
It had been two months since I was unwillingly sent into this world. First-time experiences in foreign lands could be adapted to within a week, but I had spent over 60 days here, so it was natural to get accustomed. Now, I didn’t feel anything when people talked about the World Tree on home shopping or the internet.
Living here started to feel like everyday life. Except for the lack of my mother back home and online games, nothing was different than usual.
-Dingling~
“Welcome~ Is there anything you’re looking for?”
As part of my daily routine, I went to the department store to buy clothes that fit. Due to regular exercise, I could now buy clothes without going to a plus-size store.
“Where can I find tracksuits?”
“Tracksuits? You can find them sorted by size in the right corner.”
“Thank you. I’ll look around by myself.”
I declined the employee following me and started choosing clothes. A few black tracksuits that wouldn’t go out of style, and some sleeveless shirts and underwear for home wear. The bank account I had when I came to this world, which contained a million won, was slowly running out. But it was fine. If I got admitted to the Academy, the government would provide substantial support until graduation.
While I was choosing clothes for a while, I heard the employees gathered around the counter chatting.
“Hey, hey, a Sacred Tree person has come outside.”
“Oh my, really? Who is it? Which family?”
“The Oak family, Lee Seyeong!!”
“Oh my, this is crazy, let’s go see.”
A Sacred Tree person? My interest was piqued when I overheard an unfamiliar term. I put down the clothes for a moment and headed outside, where a massive crowd had gathered.
“Kyaaak! Please look here~!”
-Click click click click!
Camera shutters were repeatedly heard around me. Far down the sidewalk, bodyguards in black suits were surrounding and protecting a woman.
A woman around 170cm tall, gently smiling at the surrounding fans. Her mature charm showed through her mid-twenties face.
“Is that… a Sacred Tree person?”
I was gaping. Shoulder-length green hair and a red dress that barely covered her chest. Following up her collarbone, a choker made of Red Oak tightly adorned her neck.
Was I staring too blatantly?
The Sacred Tree person became conscious of my gaze.
“?”
“……!”
A woman with her eyes wide as if she found something fascinating. Behind her well-groomed face rose the silhouette of a pure tree. I inadvertently murmured.
“…Sweet Oak Tree.”
Perhaps, maybe, that was the name of the tree. The Sacred Tree person who was looking at me showed a foxy, mischievous smile and deliberately licked her upper lip.
And very slowly, she stepped towards me.
She got closer faster than I was being swept away by the crowd. The distance narrowed, and finally, a bodyguard blocked my way.
“Move.”
“Ah, yes.”
Having brushed aside the bodyguard in a suit, she scanned the mask I was wearing and chuckled softly.
“You, you have something good, don’t you?”