The Martial Unity

"The data you brought back was most interesting. We identified what we were dealing with in a moment before urgently summoning you back." Officer Zhrekes explained. "The tree responsible for the anomalies is actually not of a species that normally engages in such biological developments."

"What?" Rui frowned. "The species of the tree doesn't grow and develop this way?"

Officer Zherkes nodded. "Correct."

"Then... Are there some specific circumstances under which the tree develops and grows this way?" Rui asked.

This was the first possibility that came to mind. However, he had no idea what circumstances those were.

"Also correct." Officer Zherkes nodded. "In fact, this species isn't the only species that engages in such growth and development. There are many species that engage in similar growth developments under a specific set of circumstances."

"What are these circumstances?" Rui asked curiously.

"Many tree species in the Beast Domain have a high root development capacity." He continued. "Their roots have the capability to grow to an extremely deep depth. The net root volume ends up providing an immense amount of sustenance to the tree in question. However, every once in a while, these roots run into something more than just ordinary soil, water, and nutrients."

high-energy esoteric ores." He continued. "Most species do not possess roots powerful enough to drain the esoteric ores and

himself. Largely because this required an understanding of the geology of Gaia, something he was sorely lacking. But he could see the direction

such a species... Then it would likely gain access to a large amount of energy?" Rui scratched his head. His understanding of esoteric matter and other esoteric resources was very shallow. He could not possibly provide

viably provide energy to? What happens is that the tree is able to grow and develop to a much greater

was that ridiculously wide in regards to the area

the high-energy matter. Based on the data you have provided, it's quite clear that the tree that was the target of your mission has run

see..." Rui digested the

branches is also not uncommon. The tree does not allow lifeforms that are too dangerous to it to approach it. Which is why it attacked you when you displayed a Squire-level aura with the Mind Mask technique. Only Martial Apprentices that are, of course, below the Squire Realm are able to enter the forest unobstructed."

continued. "You're referring to the esoteric ore reserves

them, hence their strange traits, including their high toxicity. The tree allows creatures weak enough to be a threat to itself to be lured in by the fruit's allure so

are valuable themselves, then?" Rui

Zherkes nodded. "They process ores in ways that we often do not understand nor can replicate. They're often used in the purification and processing of the

and take the fruits

he could certainly understand the Martial Union's and the ministry's interest in the tree.

be as simple as that." Agent Zherkes nodded. "But alas, reality is rarely that ideal. Do you know the geography of the Serevian Plateau and its placement in human