The Extra Who Shouldn't Exist novel Chapter 342

Chapter 342: Chapter 342 : The world tree (3)

Alex, Elaria, and Jacob passed the last security checkpoint near the World Tree’s inner sanctum and stepped out of the car.

"We have to walk from here on," Elaria said. "Vehicles aren’t allowed any closer."

Alex nodded. "Got it."

They started along a stone path that wound gently upward.

"How long do we have to walk?" Alex asked.

"Not long," Elaria replied. "Just ten minutes on foot."

"Alright."

As they walked, Alex glanced at Jacob. "So, Jacob, tell me something about yourself."

Jacob tensed. "There... isn’t anything interesting—"

"Just tell me," Alex insisted.

Jacob straightened his back. "Alright. As you already know, my name is Jacob Rivania, eldest son of Marquis Marek Rivania. I’m a second‑year student at Starfleet Academy."

"Starfleet Academy?" Alex asked.

Elaria nodded. "Yes. It’s situated inside the elven kingdom. A top‑class academy for students who choose to study here."

"Is that so," Alex said. He took another step, then asked, "What about your mother?"

Jacob’s expression dimmed. "She’s no more," he said quietly. "She died when I was four years old. She was not my father’s official wife, so I’m called his bastard son. I don’t have any real power in the family like his official children, so I have to endure beatings from the duke’s family."

He looked down. "Thirion is the heir, and he doesn’t like me at all. Because my family serves under him. Because—"

"Because you’re stronger than him," Alex cut in.

Jacob swallowed. "...Yes."

"Gotta say," Alex replied, "you’re exactly the kind of idiot I don’t like."

Jacob blinked. "Huh?"

"Sticking up for a family and taking beatings for people who see you as expendable," Alex said. "That’s idiotic."

Jacob smiled faintly. "Well, I don’t have anyone else besides my father in this world. Even if he doesn’t pay much attention to me... it doesn’t matter."

"Alright," Alex said, raising a hand. "You can stop talking."

Jacob straightened. "As you wish, Your Highness."

A short while later, they stopped in front of a natural rock formation—an arching, cave‑like entrance woven with roots and glowing, moss‑like plants.

"Alright," Elaria said. "We’ve reached the location. Just pass through this."

They stepped inside.

The air changed.

On the other side, it felt like an entirely different world.

Lush greenery stretched in every direction. Waterfalls cascaded down smooth stone cliffs, their mist catching the light in soft rainbows. Trees with crystal leaves swayed gently, and flower gardens bloomed in vivid colors, their petals shining with mana. The scent of fresh grass, water, and wildflowers filled Alex’s lungs.

"Now this is refreshing," Alex said.

Inside his mind, he added, ’I just hope I won’t have to burn this all down.’

They walked toward the colossal trunk rising at the center of this hidden sanctuary.

As they approached, the branches of the World Tree began to move.

They stretched outward, leaves rustling, reaching toward them—toward Alex in particular—as if eager to touch him.

When one of the smaller branches brushed against his shoulder, Alex swatted it away.

"A really weird tree you’ve got there," he said.

Elaria’s mouth fell open.

"What in the hell is happening here...?" she whispered.

"Why?" Alex asked, genuinely confused. "Isn’t this normal?"

"You think so, huh?" Elaria muttered, eye twitching.

Jacob added nervously, "Your Highness, it’s not normal at all. The World Tree has never acted like that before."

"Is that right?" Alex said, glancing up as another tendril of branches tried to poke at him. He swatted it away again.

They drew closer.

Up close, the World Tree felt... alive. Its bark pulsed faintly with light, and branches continued to bend down, trying to brush against Alex’s hair, shoulders, even his face. He kept batting them away, expression caught somewhere between annoyed and uncomfortable.

Suddenly, the air in front of the tree rippled.

White light gathered on the ground, coalescing into a glowing circle. Motelike radiance swirled upward, shaping itself slowly into a humanoid silhouette.

The glow dimmed.

Standing there now was a beautiful elven woman with long brown hair and warm, earth‑colored eyes. Her features were soft yet regal, her beauty serene rather than flashy. She wore flowing robes in shades of green and brown that draped over her body modestly, embroidered with patterns of leaves, vines, and tiny glowing symbols.

The aura around her felt ancient.

Sacred.

Elaria and Jacob reacted instantly.

They dropped to their knees, pressing their foreheads to the ground.

"We greet the Guardian Spirit of the World Tree," they said in unison. "Protector of the elves. Mother of all."

The woman’s lips curved into a gentle, motherly smile at Elaria and Jacob’s obeisance.

Still kneeling, Elaria whispered sideways, "Greet her, you moron."

Alex scratched his cheek. "Hi, miss. You have a great figure."

Elaria’s mouth fell open. ’What was I expecting...’ she thought.

"Rise, my children," the woman said softly.

Elaria and Jacob stood at once, heads slightly bowed.

Her gaze moved to Alex.

"You have brought someone very unique here I have to say."

Then she addressed Alex directly.

"My name is Mirina," she said. "I am the guardian spirit of the World Tree. And as you can see, this is the first time in history it has reacted to someone’s presence like this."

Branches behind her rustled excitedly, still reaching for Alex.

"Well, I guess that’s good then," Alex said. "But the reason I came here isn’t sightseeing. I’m here for the Fruit of the World Tree."

Mirina nodded calmly. "I had already figured as much."

Her expression turned more serious.

"But you do know," she said, "that the World Tree only gives its fruit to the pure‑hearted. Those who can even sacrifice themselves to save others."

The system’s voice chimed in Alex’s head.

[ Host, you’re out. ]

’Will you shut up,’ Alex replied inwardly.

Mirina studied the three of them in silence.

"From the three of you..." she began. "The princess has already failed the test once before."

Elaria stiffened, cheeks flushing slightly.

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