Nameless King

The explosion of the dark orb was the final stage in their battle, as it not only inflicted mortal wounds on August but also helped Ern, Erza, and Alas deal with the other Elves, so the camp was already destroyed.

After defeating August, Wain received the final key.

[Wrath Key (Unique)

This key was received only by the one who was able to pass a special test and show his wrath. It is the road to the most powerful Spirit in history.]

Whoooooosh.

The rest of the keys shone brightly as they flew towards each other and formed a circle.

[Received Title - Key Collector]

[You have collected all seven keys, so now you can enter the Great Tree. The passageway will be open to all, but you will have a special bonus. You will feel the way to the Royal Spirit, while others will be in the unknown]

"Huh, I thought the keys wouldn't give us any advantages. It's a good thing I was wrong." Wain smiled as he handed the keys to the others, so they too received this Title.

"Great!" Ern exclaimed, "I like this place more and more! The Forgotten Forest is really fair!"

"Yes. I agree. It's nice when the effort pays off." Erza said in a satisfied voice.

The only one who remained silent was Alas. He was looking at the keys with a frown on his face.

"Alas, is something wrong?" Wain asked, "You're an Elf. Shouldn't you be happier than the rest of us? With this Title, you can definitely get the Royal Spirit."

"I'm sorry." Alas shook his head, "I'm just not sure I'm worthy of it..."

"What are you talking about!" Ern exclaimed as he waved his hand, "Is it okay to stop at the finish line? This is your dream!"

"Yes, but don't you think August or someone from White Clover would be a more worthy contender than me?" Alas asked in a confused voice.

Erza and Ern were silent. They didn't know what to say as Alas' words made sense.

"Alas, August was an arrogant idiot, so that's why he lost, don't be as stupid." Wain said while looking at the bright sun, "You may not be the strongest, but if you miss this opportunity because of doubt, then you will be the weakest. I'm sure there's still a challenge waiting for us in the Great Tree, so you'll have a chance to prove yourself."

"Yeah... You may be right." Alas nodded.

Whooooooosh.

A red soul flew out of August's body as it headed toward Wain.

[Soul of August Heim (Whole)

Chronicle: Third

Rating: Ascendant]

'Well, let's see what you have in store for me.' Wain inwardly muttered before crushing the soul.

[You have acquired the Soul Essence]

[You have already reached the limit, so you can't increase your stats.]

[You get Ascendant Skill Book.]

'Great.' Wain nodded as he placed his hand on the scarlet book that appeared before him.

[Spatial Cutter (Third Chronicle, Ascendant Rating)

Collect energy at one point and squeeze the space so hard that it turns into a blade, then drop it on the enemy.

Only creatures with unique defensive skills will be able to defend against this attack, as it cuts through space itself].

Wain already had three skills available, so he had to choose which one to give up.

'I will definitely still need the wings, so it's time to say goodbye to it.' Wain muttered to himself as a pink rune flew out of his glabella.

[The Serpent's Step: Ancient Tail skill has been removed.]

[The Spatial Cutter skill has become part of your Soul Altar.]

"Good." Wain nodded.

"Are you ready?" Erza asked while walking toward him.

"Yes. Let's find out what's inside." Wain said in a calm voice as he looked at the Great Tree. It shone brightly like the center of this small universe.

...

They had all seven keys, so they could get into the Great Tree right now, but before that, they needed to heal their wounds and regain their strength.

"Wain, you don't look well..." Erza said in a worried voice.

Wain's face was pale, his eyes dull, and the wound near his back was still bleeding slightly. He won, but it wasn't easy.

"Don't worry. I'm just tired and spend too much energy. I need some rest, and I'll be ready to fight again." Wain said slowly.

Erza frowned. She walked over to Wain as she held out her hand, "Here, take this!"

"Huh?" Wain turned to her.

In the palm of Erza's hand were several pills, white, red, and green.

"These are supplies from my personal vault. It's a great set that will help you recover faster. The white pill will restore your energy, the red will improve your circulation, and the green will repair your wounds. Eat!" Erza said in a stern voice.

Wain smiled weakly, took the pills, and swallowed them all at once, "Thanks, but you shouldn't make such a serious face when you want to help, it looks silly, though, at the same time, it's funny and even cute."

"You!" Erza blushed as she was about to punch Wain but stopped herself at the last moment.

Wain passed out, so he was too tired.

Erza reflexively caught it, and as a result, the sleeping Wain's head ended up in Erza's lap.

'What? How did this happen?' Erza inwardly exclaimed as her face turned as red as a tomato.

She wanted to push Wain away from her, but when she looked at his face, she couldn't do it. It was as if Erza was numb, and there was a strange, tender, warm feeling inside her that she had never felt before.

"Looks like someone is finally beginning to understand what true love is, not pure male domination. Alas, do you agree with me?" Ern smirked as he said it so that Erza could hear it.

"I don't think it's a good idea to say that..." Alas muttered.

"Bastard! Shut your mouth!" Erza exclaimed, "You're disturbing his sleep!"

"Yeah? Then why are you yelling? Ahahahaha." Ern laughed.