[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-am-i-the-villain-or-not":3,"chapter-am-i-the-villain-or-not-am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-223":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Am I the Villain or Not?",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},571482,820,"Chapter 223 - 225: The Divine Tree Gave Birth","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-223",223,"\u003Cp>The divine tree once again pierced through the deep, dark clouds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its branches went wild, extending and growing above the clouds. Tender green shoots poked their heads out one after another, blooming with bright green leaf cores.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive, thick trunk the color of aged bronze was covered in dense, chaotic, and rigid branches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bathed in golden light, it shimmered with a brilliance as radiant as hope itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elves froze in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shock and astonishment spread through the entire crowd like a plague.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes were wide open, their lips parted in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, faced with the return of the divine tree, they did not know whether they should feel relieved, or kneel down and worship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In their eyes, the newly reborn divine tree no longer carried that deeply familiar, gentle warmth of a mother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, the divine tree had revived, yet the elves felt as though it had not truly come back to life, completely devoid of vitality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the surface greenery and bronze hue looked like something fabricated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, a stream of molten lava seemed to melt space itself, revealing an enormous red tunnel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Terrifying heat instantly swept across the entire forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless elves turned their gazes toward it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They saw the man in a trench coat walking out from within that scorching tunnel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cocotte followed behind Viktor, seated on a cloud that slowly drifted over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vinia came behind the two of them, her eyes darting around, biting her lip, the muscles on her face twitching slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What she had just passed through, could that really be called a teleportation gate?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, she hadn't felt even the slightest bit of heat inside it, yet she was still shaken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vinia turned back and looked at the tunnel flowing with magma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lava dripped slowly onto the ground, colliding with the dewdrops on the grass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small burst of white mist immediately rose up. The lava solidified, forming black stones exposed across the grass, stretching all the way toward the base of the divine tree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elves stared at the pitch-black gravel path, not daring to breathe too loudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afraid that one of the chunks of lava might suddenly crack apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viktor looked at Vinia and said calmly, \"Now, just like you did before.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Offer the divine tree your natural energy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Viktor's command, Vinia straightened her expression and pressed one hand tightly against her chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Carefully, she walked across the black gravel path and stood before the divine tree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She slowly placed her hand on the tree. The bronze-colored trunk began to twist and writhe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Glowing green natural energy overflowed from her palm, flowing along the patterns of the giant tree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That streak of green quickly passed through the entire bronze trunk and began spreading across the whole divine tree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The illuminated patterns gradually moved toward the crown, piercing through the clouds and rapidly gathering at the center of the highest branches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the blessing of natural energy, the tender green shoots grew rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the very top of the crown, a transparent, crystal-clear fruit appeared, as if being held up by invisible hands, slowly absorbing green energy at the peak of the trunk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The divine tree began to shake violently. A powerful light burst forth in an instant, illuminating the entire lush forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elves covered their eyes, peering through the gaps between their fingers as they saw powerful waves of energy ripple outward. The newly grown branches around them grew once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was an energy surge filled with vitality, a light that was also like hope itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one knew how many years it had been.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ever since Cocotte left, they had never again seen the divine tree release such dazzling light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At last, the green fruit at the top gathered enough energy and slowly cracked open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Intense light spots fell from the sky like a clear spring, and a familiar presence instantly spread throughout the entire elven race.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vinia's face was filled with shock, but it quickly turned into astonishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the gaze of all the elves, the first elf was born.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The branches at the top of the divine tree opened and closed, and an elf emerged from the dense crown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her entire body was covered by emerald-green leaves, revealing large patches of skin as white as lotus root.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her pink, cherry-like lips opened and closed gently, her breathing steady and even.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And those signature long, pointed ears…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the elves, an event like a divine miracle had occurred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elves were utterly stunned. Countless curious yet cautious gazes moved up and down the newborn elf, filled entirely with closeness and affection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Vinia couldn't control her expression, her mouth hanging open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because this elf, strictly speaking… Was born by her?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Oh no, did I become a queen???'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the scene before him, Cocotte was extremely satisfied, nodding vigorously at the side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This way, she wouldn't have to keep being the elven queen anymore, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vinia cautiously stepped forward and tentatively stood in front of the newborn elf.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She could feel that the natural energy within this elf came from the same source as her own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the elf before her had been born from the natural energy she herself had offered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vinia's body trembled slightly as she shakily extended her hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Child, you… what is your surname?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to tradition, a newborn elf would be granted a surname by the divine tree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After learning the surname, the high priest would give her a given name and assign her a role corresponding to that surname.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Vinia hadn't done this in a very long time, ever since Cocotte left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the decades after Cocotte's departure, not a single newborn elf had appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And she was the very first brand-new elf born in those decades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The newborn elf looked utterly clueless, her eyes turning toward Vinia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Vinia extend her hand, she naturally grabbed Vinia's arm and pressed herself against her body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A look of deep comfort and security appeared on her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vinia's heart skipped a beat, her entire body freezing in place, unable to move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the elf continued to rub herself tightly against Vinia's arm, the warm touch reaching straight into her heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Vinia's own birth, she had been responsible for delivering other newborn elves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had never seen an elf this attached to her before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elves did indeed share the same origin and were naturally very close to one another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she had never seen closeness to this extent, completely pressed up against her body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Obviously, you've never understood the concept of family.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At some point, Viktor had quietly walked up behind Vinia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His hands were in his pockets, his tone calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vinia suddenly turned around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Eh? Fa… family?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, elves did not understand what family was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In elven society, all elves were born through the queen's energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elven society was more like a simple collective.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every elf carried the \"bloodline\" of the elven queen, and every one of them could be called family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strictly speaking, because the elven queen always had to remain quietly within the divine tree, the elves never saw what their \"mother\" looked like from the moment they were born.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So they mistakenly regarded the divine tree as the \"mother\" that gave birth to them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They piled that sense of closeness onto the Yard Divine Tree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They would begin, like other elves, to bow and worship the divine tree, constantly praying to the elven queen, hoping to create more elves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without the concept of a mother, elves naturally did not call each other family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because they had only one shared mother, the divine tree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, with the appearance of this newborn elf, everything would change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every elf's birth would be personally delivered by the one who produced them, and identical natural energy would become a \"bloodline thicker than water\" to elves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, newborn elves would feel absolute closeness toward their producer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Congratulations. Now, you are her mother.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Viktor's words fell, Vinia froze in place, turning back in a daze to look at the newborn elf clinging tightly to her arm, completely unwilling to part from her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Eh, ah, ah!?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vinia's mind went completely blank, her eyes turning utterly vacant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her mouth hung open as she let out an uncontrollable cry of shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Viktor didn't care about her reaction and continued speaking, \"And you still need to give her a name.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vinia stood there dumbfounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But she doesn't have a surname yet…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What her surname is depends on what your surname is.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Vinia became even more stunned. Her pupils slowly dilated, her expression turning somewhat unacceptable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because her surname was unique…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Wait a second?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if something suddenly clicked for her, and she continued listening to Viktor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I've said it before, don't use your old common sense to view your new world. The Yard Divine Tree is already dead.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You, and the other elves.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your surnames no longer carry any restrictions. They will simply become your titles, and the meaning that gives family its existence.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vinia stood there, stunned. After listening to Viktor's explanation, she slowly turned her head back, blankly saying, \"So, you and I are the same.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We both have the surname… Jekedela…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked at the adorable elf in front of her, whose eyes were full of herself and full of expectation. A powerful, inexplicable impulse surged within her heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment she realized this child shared her surname, Vinia suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to protect her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She subconsciously reached out and gently stroked the elf's head. The newborn elf clearly enjoyed it, rubbing herself against Vinia's palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"From now on, your name will be…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Malenia. That's it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time, Vinia felt a different emotion when giving someone a name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No longer treating it as \"work,\" but genuinely wanting to give an elf a true name, a name filled with soul and love.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Vinia was filled with joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other elves remained silent as well, saying nothing, as if silently celebrating the arrival of this newborn elf.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Letting this elven forest, silent for so long, become full of life once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon also raised her head, looking at this extremely happy scene before her. A hint of envy appeared in her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If, when she herself had been born, it had been like this, would her own experiences have turned out differently?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'What am I thinking.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then, Viktor hadn't even been born yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She quietly lowered her head, not wanting the elves to see her expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then, a sharp voice sounded by her ear once again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What, jealous?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[email protected]\u002FXenosX\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>🥳Joining P@treon keeps me motivated and eager to work diligently, so please consider joining.🥰\u003C\u002Fp>",1794,"2026-05-30T15:48:18.711Z","2026-06-01T04:31:37.164Z",1,"novelbin.me","9cdd719adbfb94fb30d8acab5c84a548e098f60420925405978619da717bbd52","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-224","am-i-the-villain-or-not-chapter-222",393,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fam-i-the-villain-or-not-cover.jpg"]