Chapter 459

Are the other cakes made by Lord Alphonse also delicious? I haven't really enjoyed eating them much, Ah Wu, I'm really envious of you. said the short-haired girl.

Really, a whole year, that's an unlimited supply of cake for a whole year. Another girl, Lika, equally envious.

Then next time let's go together, anyway I can pick whatever I want, whenever I want I can get to eat it.

The other girls of the Armored Warrior Team laughed hehe, towels draped over their necks, sweat glistening on their skin; having just finished dance practice, they sat on small chairs, while a white square table held various pre-cut fruit platters, eating fruit while chatting about girls' little secrets.

Now their Armored Warrior Squad has overwhelmingly led the rankings with the highest points, no other street dance team can surpass them, and of course they have no other worries.

Ah Shi, I'm here. A voice from outside the door suddenly sounded, making the chatting girls turn their heads, bright light streaming through the opened door, accompanied by a hint of wind.

Ah Shi, you're here, come quickly, wait, Ah Shi, what's your outfit? Gao Siwu exclaimed seeing Wu Dao Guangshi's appearance.

Sorry, everyone, I've always concealed my identity. Wu Dao Guangshi held the railing, his face showing some apology.

Wu Dao Guangshi wore a noble academy uniform, entering the Armored Warrior Team's secret base: a white shirt, off-white suit, dark green tie with a pattern, and the academy's emblem embroidered on the right chest.

Although this is just the school's most basic uniform, these are all tailored precisely to each student's physique; ordinary people might never wear such a high-end white custom suit in their lifetime.

Ah Shi, you said, hiding identity is? Gao Siwu looked at Wu Dao Guangshi before her, whose demeanor and attire were completely different.

Actually, my real name is Wu Dao Guangshi, and my older brother is Wu Dao Guhu. Wu Dao Guangshi spoke slowly, "The Wu Dao family are actually the builders of the World Tree Group; I don't want you to know I'm actually a member of the World Tree Group, because with this identity, those around me only see me as Wu Dao Guhu's younger brother, not Wu Dao Guangshi."

So you're saying, Ah Shi, you're actually a rich second-gen? the short-haired girl stated bluntly.

Hmm. Wu Dao Guangshi nodded.

Then Ah Shi, why are you telling us now? Gao Siwu said doubtfully.

She can understand concealing one's identity, but why say it now? Because of you!

Wu Dao Guangshi really wanted to say that, after all, besides being very wealthy, he had nothing else left; although he had gained power, he still couldn't win when he should, losing utterly.

He could find no other way to attract Gao Siwu's attention except by being the second young master of the World Tree Group.

Wu Jie, because I really love staying with the Armored Warrior Team, you're all my good friends, I can't lie to you, so I want to come clean. Wu Dao Guangshi looked at Gao Siwu, mustering courage to say.

Oh, I see, Ah Shi, your heart must be in great pain. Gao Siwu said softly.

Huh? Wu Dao Guangshi slightly opened his mouth.

This was completely different from what he expected; he thought that after revealing his true identity, Wu Jie would be angry, scold, be surprised, but he never imagined Gao Siwu would say that, piercing his heart.

Every time he took off the school uniform and put on the clothes unique to the Armored Warrior Team, it was like shedding a disguise, becoming his truest self.

And whenever he left here, changed back into his own uniform, and went home, his mood would sink; compared to the Armored Warrior Team, the villa at home felt more like a restraint, filled with cold and oppressive atmosphere, even having to be careful with his brother, not daring to speak his mind, yet here he could play freely without restraint.

Because for some unavoidable reasons, hiding one's identity must be painful, right? Gao Siwu said softly, "Actually, Ah Shi, you don't need to deliberately conceal yourself; no matter who you are, as long as you're a member of the Armored Warrior Team, you're our companion—identity doesn't matter."

Yeah, how could Wu Jie possibly care about such an empty title? Being the young master of the World Tree Group, being rich—so what? This is Gao Siwu, someone who never cares about status no matter when; what is there to be proud of?

Wu Dao Guangshi looked into Gao Siwu's eyes, knowing she truly worried for him, not wanting him to live a pretended life.

He didn't know how he figured it out, but he indeed felt it.

He didn't know how he figured it out, but he indeed felt it.

Wu Dao Guangshi felt like crying, but he held it back, pretending nothing was wrong.

Okay, I'll listen to you, Wu Jie; from now on I won't hide myself, and when I have time I'll invite you all to my place—it's huge, bigger than here. Wu Dao Guangshi said with a laugh.

Really? Your home is bigger than here. The short-haired girl looked at Wu Dao Guangshi in disbelief; although the Armored Warrior Team's conditions aren't great, their practice space already holds many people, yet now it can't compare to Ah Shi's home.

What kind of wealthy family is this! Is this the world of the rich? It's terrifying.

My family has dedicated maids for cleaning and a few stewards; the Armored Warrior Team's practice field is probably about the size of my room, actually not much. Wu Dao Guangshi made a tiny gesture with his hand, speaking gently.

He had already changed back into that plain blue hoodie; this blue garment is far more comfortable than the white school uniform.

Ah Wu is already enviable, I never expected Ah Shi's family to be this rich. Lika sighed, "The Armored Warrior Team really only has me as an ordinary person."

You still have me. The deadpan comedy master suddenly popped up beside her and said.

You're so annoying, stay away, go to the side. She turned her head away, ignoring this guy who only does jokes.

Oh.

At this moment, the Armored Warrior Team's door was pushed open again, making a creaking sound.

Excuse me, is this the Armored Warrior Team? A young, beautiful woman gently pushed open the team's gate and walked in, facing the sunlight.

She wore a white ladies' shirt, a neat light-gray professional suit, her brown-black long hair tied in a ponytail, no extra adornments, looking very capable, though her youthful beautiful face now appeared somewhat weary.

Ge Ye Jie, welcome. Gao Siwu, upon recognizing her, rose from her seat with a pleased expression; she often visited Huo Ta's home, so she had known her for a long time.

Ge Ye Jing is the sister of Ge Ye Huo Ta, his closest relative.

She never thought her busy sister would come here in person.

No need to be polite, Ah Wu. Ge Ye Jing looked at Gao Siwu approaching, forcing a smile.

Actually, I came here because Huo Ta hasn't returned home for several days. You're all his good friends, so I want to ask: do you know where Huo Ta went?

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Ge Ye Jing sat in the chair, hands lightly clenched, and stated her reason for coming here.

The few members of the Armored Warrior Team exchanged glances, each filled with great doubt.

Excuse me, when did Senior Huo Ta go missing? Wu Dao Guangshi asked.

Three days ago, he said he found a job, so I didn't bother him, but later I discovered Huo Ta hadn't come home; I went to his workplace and asked, the boss said Huo Ta indeed went to work, but the next day he vanished. Ge Ye Jing replied.

So, three days ago just happened to be the day Senior Huo Ta competed against the Baron Team, and he was riding a motorcycle.

Wu Dao Guangshi remembers very clearly, because that day Jiang Xia carried Wu Jie over together, making it hard to forget.

It was the Forest of Helmheim, he realized, because of that motorcycle.

Could it be that Senior Huo Ta, like Senior Yu Ye, got lost in that mysterious forest? No, the Baron Team's Pattern-Shift Riders all returned; there's no reason Senior Huo Ta wouldn't come back, especially since he too is an Armored Knight.

I know where Senior Huo Ta went. Wu Dao Guangshi thought, then said to Ge Ye Jing, "Senior Huo Ta is fine; he'll be back soon."

Really? Ge Ye Jing exclaimed in delight; actually she had no choice but to come here, having asked many people but got no news.

Mm, Senior Huo Ta will be back shortly. Wu Dao Guangshi repeated, "Don't worry."

Wu Jie, I'm going to go find Xue Te; he has gear for entering the Forest of Helmheim. After seeing off Ge Ye Jing, Wu Dao Guangshi picked up his jacket and was about to run out; at this point, with money he should be able to buy that motorcycle.

Mm, Ah Shi, Jiang Xia can also help look for people. Gao Siwu pulled out her phone.

"Kōta senpai, are you really in Helheim Forest?" Kōjima Mitsuru thought.

Kōya Kōta slowly opened his eyes, his whole body drenched in sweat, as if he had just awakened from a nightmare, and he sat up from the bed.

Before him was still an unfamiliar ceiling, and directly ahead, the cold iron bars divided his view into small squares.

This is a prison, but unlike ordinary prisons, it has a large bed, a soft sofa, a bathroom, and even a television; aside from the cold iron bars, the conditions here are quite good.

Although it isn't as luxurious as a five-star hotel, it's pretty good—except you can't leave.

And now, aside from sleeping, watching TV, and killing time, he has only one task left: to shout loudly.

"Hey! Is anybody there? Let me out—what you're doing is illegal!" Kōya Kōta shouted.

After shouting a few times, the surroundings remained silent, not even a speaker.

He had been shouting for three days; aside from mealtimes when food was delivered, there was nobody else, and no one answered his questions.

Moreover, after being defeated by that white Knight, his belt was confiscated; aside from singing "Prisoner's Song" behind the iron bars here, he had no recourse.

Today was the same; after he shouted a few times, the surroundings were utterly silent.

Kōya Kōta threw himself onto the big bed, using his hand as a pillow, and muttered: "I don't know how my sister is; she must be worried, but without the War Extreme Driver, I doubt I can get out—right now the best I can do is wait for someone to rescue me."

"You're just giving up like that? Kōya Kōta." A slightly teasing voice came from the other side of the cell.

Kōya Kōta jerked his head up to see that on the previously empty sofa sat a person wearing a gray‑white robe, a dark brown headscarf wrapped around his head, now leaning on the sofa and holding a lemon plucked from the coffee table.

"DJ Sōra? How are you here?" Kōya Kōta was surprised—how did he get in, as if the door hadn't even been opened.

"Because I'm an employee of the World Tree." Sōra played with the lemon in his hand, saying, "You don't know yet, but the War Extreme Driver in your hand was developed by the World Tree—you are its test subject. Of course, this place is also the World Tree's headquarters; what's strange about me being here?"

"Are the people gathering fruit in the forest all World Tree employees, including the white Knight?" Kōya Kōta's voice sank. "What exactly is your purpose, World Tree?"

He's been locked up here for three days for nothing, and he still doesn't know what the test subject is about, or what the forest is.

"It's obviously for the Evolution of life." Sōra spread his hands. "That forest is called Helheim Forest, and the fruit within contains tremendous power that can drive human Evolution—but the fruit can't be used directly; if someone accidentally eats it, they turn into a monster, that is, the Otherworlders you summon via Lock Seeds."

"You mean, those Otherworlders?" Kōya Kōta's lips suddenly went dry as a frightening thought struck him.

"We're not there yet; only a few humans have eaten the fruit, and what's summoned are the native creatures of Helheim Forest. To safely use the fruit's power, the World Tree's Sengoku Ryōma developed the War Extreme Driver, converting fruit into Lock Seeds so you can play the game."

"Now I understand—Armored Knights, the Otherworlder game, all are the World Tree's doing, and I'm responsible for making them popular; thanks to you, the World Tree has gathered a lot of useful data."

"You bastards!" Kōya Kōta cursed.

"Oh, don't get so worked up—I haven't said the crucial part yet?" Sōra smiled at the fuming Kōya Kōta.

"What else?" Kōya Kōta suppressed his anger.

"You probably also accidentally entered Helheim Forest through a rift, right?" Sōra said. "Have you thought that since you can get in, the Otherworlders originally existing in Helheim Forest likewise have a chance to come out?"

"You mean?"

"Exactly—before long, the rifts in Marsh Sprout City will increase, in other words, those Otherworlders will all come out; then what will become of Marsh Sprout City?" Sōra spoke in a dangerous tone. "Do you understand? The World Tree is protecting you; staying here is far safer than outside."

"What's wrong—do you still want to go out? I advise you to stop here." Sōra said, smiling at the downcast Kōya Kōta.

"No." Kōya Kōta lifted his head and lunged at Sōra sitting on the sofa; he had been waiting for this chance, for Sōra to lower his guard—since he could get in, he must have the cell key on him.

"Thud!"

Kōya Kōta threw Sōra to the ground and shouted, "I won't stay here; I'll tell everyone the news, stop the Otherworlder game, and then rely on my own strength to protect the city's people from Otherworlder invasion."

Just like when he first transformed, he believed Sōra's words, because he himself had once been attacked by an Otherworlder and nearly died; if the rifts opened frequently, ordinary people would have no chance of survival.

Marsh Sprout City is his home; he won't let any person be harmed by an Otherworlder.

"If you choose to go out, you'll need sufficient strength—survival of the fittest, and that is the true meaning of Evolution." Sōra said to the Kōya Kōta he had tackled.

"I don't need strength itself; I need the power to protect Marsh Sprout City—mere strength means nothing to me." Kōya Kōta gripped Sōra's wrist tightly with one hand while the other hand quickly felt around his body.

"Quite interesting—the gap between strong and weak is indeed too large; let's see how far you can grow."

Sōra's body vanished instantly; the Kōya Kōta who had been pressing him fell straight to the floor, quickly turned, and saw Sōra now as a metal‑like card with a depression in the middle, and a blue‑transparent Lock Seed with a base placed on the table.

"Oh, right, and the War Extreme Driver." Seeing Kōya Kōta's gaze, Sōra slapped his forehead, remembered, rummaged in his robe, and placed the belt on the table.

On the other side, too much power was drawn, causing this side's memory to be poor.

"What the heck……" Kōya Kōta stared at the War Extreme Driver and Lock Seed on the table, utterly confused.

What does this mean now? Is he trying to let him go? But he didn't wait for Sōra's answer—just as when he arrived, Sōra disappeared without a sound or trace again.

"Like this I dare not go in, Jiang Xia." Sōra looked at the faintly glowing edge of the domain enveloping Helheim Forest and felt a bit overwhelmed.

To ordinary eyes, Helheim Forest looks the same—big trees bearing red fruit everywhere—but to Sōra, a vast domain of strange energy cuts out a chunk of the intact Helheim Forest, like a beast marking its territory; entering it is no different from provoking it.

Moreover, although Sōra is the embodiment of Helheim, he still hesitates to step into the domain that likewise exists in this forest.

"Please come in, Snake." A faint voice echoed in the woods. (End of chapter)