1136 If not me then you?

Eldrin's eyes sparkled as he laid out his plan, sensing that Liam was beginning to understand the gravity of what he was saying. 

"See, if we manage to get our champion to win the recruitment event, that would indeed grant us access to the system nexus and some influence within the royal court." 

"But what if I told you we could also be the recipient of the World Tree's blessing? Imagine the power and leverage that would provide us! I mean you! You!"

Eldrin cleared his throat awkwardly and continued, "My liege, I do not want the ancient's blessing. Honestly. It would make me powerful, yes but not by that much."

"They say that the guardian gives us what we need the most as a blessing. One is allowed only one blessing and cannot once again invoke the blessing the next cycle."

"Lord Liam-" Eldrin began to explain more.

"Just Liam will do."

"Ah. Right. Thanks. Liam, I know that you are injured. I can sense an extremely weak soul aura from you and forgive me for my ignorance, but perhaps someone dabbling in the soul arts should have a stronger soul? Or mana core for that matter?"

Liam remained indifferent. He neither confirmed nor denied the elf's words.

"Heh." Eldrin smiled and decided to continue anyway. "What I am trying to say Liam is that this blessing can heal everything that needs healing. You can become more powerful than you previously were."

"I don't know why or how you arrived here but our world is one of the few worlds where the original soul bond with the guardian is gone and anyone can obtain the blessing."

"I say we claim this blessing. Then you will be ready for the tower of hell. That's what they fondly call the Ascension Spire. We should not underestimate it."

Liam became silent. He sat there for a moment, absorbing the elf's words. The idea of gaining a blessing that could expedite his healing and fortify his soul was incredibly tempting. Yet, there was a big gaping hole.

"Are you sure that someone who is not an elf will be able to claim this blessing?"

Eldrin smirked. "You don't miss anything, do you?"

"There is no need for flattery."

The elf shrugged. "Well, you should be able to. Otherwise, you wouldn't even be standing here in the first place."

Liam then understood. The elf had taken his sweet time in coming here because of this very reason. He wanted to see if Liam would survive here or not. He had only come here after confirming that.

He also understood something else.

"So if I am not able to take this blessing, then I assume you would step forward and take it instead? Very conveniently?"

"Well, it would be a waste to let it go… waste?"

Liam sneered, seeing the sheepishly grinning elf.

"I genuinely believe you'll be able to receive the blessing. Your presence here, in this realm, already defies many of the rules we understand." Eldrin added quickly. "Hey. I am not planning anything behind your back. I have said it all. Now you can decide."

Liam eyed Eldrin for a moment, a myriad of thoughts swimming in his head. "Isn't there any other way to get out of this world?" He asked again.

"Not that I know of. Going to another world is an extremely expensive affair and I have heard only the emperor and the crown prince and a few other royal elves have done this."

Liam stared at the elf and the elf stared back at him. There was no way he was telling the truth, but there was nothing he could do about it at the moment.

For now, he could only attempt the plan the elf put forward and once he could access the system shop…

"So shall we pick a champion? I have many candidates in mind." Eldrin started, immediately coming to the point but Liam interrupted him."I already have someone in mind." He then turned to look at the young girl who was standing quietly all this time.

Elira gasped as she saw the two intimidating men turn to look at her. "I… I…" She stammered.

"She?" Eldrin ignored her and shook his head. "She won't do it. We need a more talented candidate. We only have one chance."

Before the elf had a chance to list his candidates, Liam cut him off. "No. She will do. That is how it is going to be." It did not matter what her chances were, Liam needed someone that he trusted.

Eldrin looked between Liam and the young girl, Elira, clearly weighing the situation in his mind. He pursed his lips and took a deep breath before speaking.

"If you insist, then I'll defer to your judgment," Eldrin finally said, "but understand the stakes. Winning the recruitment event is the key to everything else we've discussed and I know many elves who can definitely win it for us without any risk."

Liam did not say anything.

Elira's eyes widened. Breaking the uncomfortable silence, she took a cautious step forward. "If Lord Liam believes in me, then I won't disappoint him. I'll give everything I have for this cause. I will fight with my life on the line."

Eldrin saw the overeager elf and shook his head. "What level is she right now? Damn it, only 40? This is not going to end well. At least make the training rigorous."

Liam nodded. "I plan to."

"Well, okay then. I will be around. Somewhere here. We can communicate with one of these crystals and meet back when it's time?" Eldrin tossed a crystal toward him.

Liam knew that the elf was leaving them, probably because he was afraid to remain here. However, he did not say anything. The elf had a choice and he did not.

Also, he welcomed all the souls that came to him willingly. 

"Blessing huh? What do I need the most?"

Liam looked inward, towards the dense jam-packed trees. Perhaps from today, he needed to start moving further into the forbidden area.