Journey from Overlord

Chapter 5: CH-4. Dryad



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Now was not the time to feel sad—Aya reminded herself to stay focused. The top priority was surviving in this world.

She removed the ring from her left ring finger.

[Advanced Item Identification]

Detailed data about the ring appeared before her, causing Aya to raise an eyebrow.

It was an artifact-level accessory that greatly increased HP and magic attack, while also enhancing both physical and magical defenses. The attributes were extraordinary—no wonder this ring had replaced the one she previously used.

After her entry into the cryogenic chamber, her account hadn't remained idle. Instead, it had been managed and leveled up by professionals hired by her brother, something Aya had quickly noticed.

The attributes were now significantly higher, and new skills had been unlocked. Equipment and items had also changed—this ring was an example of that.

Although it was excellent equipment, Aya returned it to her inventory and instead took out a simple emerald-green ring.

This ring was crafted from the fragments of a world-class item, the gemstone [Original Fetal Movement].

Though its attribute bonuses weren't low, they focused primarily on health and defense. Its daily full-HP recovery ability was also useful but redundant for Aya, who held professions like Priest and Pope, both offering countless ways to restore health.

Even so, this ring paled in comparison to the artifact-level one she just removed. Yet Aya put aside the artifact-level ring and equipped the inferior green ring instead.

"Is this the legendary world-class item?" The Elven Dragon asked cautiously, its voice tinged with awe.

"Yes, though it's just a fragment." Aya replied. Ninety percent of [Original Fetal Movement] had been absorbed when she advanced to Mother Goddess of Life, leaving the remainder to be crafted into this ring.

"But even scraps of a world-class item retain their power." She added, "With this, I'm immune to the effects of other world-class items."

"I understand " The dragon replied solemnly.

Aya activated [Illusion: Reality Deception (Hand)], and the ring vanished from sight. Her slender, pale finger appeared bare, and even by touch, the ring was undetectable. Its abilities and bonuses, however, remained fully active.

Many players used such spells to hide their equipment, but Aya didn't do it for secrecy. She simply felt that wearing a set of jeweled rings clashed with her in-game image.

"Well, let's begin." Aya said, stretching her arms and crossing them above her head.

The motion highlighted her graceful figure, the curves of her body, and the movement of her chest—a sight that made the Elven Dragon, despite being known as Dragon Saint and Most Holy Dragon, feel flustered.

Subconsciously, the dragon scratched its face with a claw while Aya remained oblivious.

She exhaled deeply, and a powerful surge of magic energy flowed from her, instantly putting the Elven Dragon on high alert.

[Advanced Monster Creation]

Aya stretched out her hand, chanting, "Creation: Dryad of the Sacred Tree."

A turquoise light shimmered, and the next moment, a woman appeared.

Her hair was made of vines, her clothes of green leaves, and her fragrance carried the essence of blooming flowers. A flowing skirt of countless leaves adorned her, making her presence mesmerizing.

The Dryad stepped forward gracefully, crossing her legs and lifting her leafy skirt in a curtsy.

"I am here at your call, Madam. Please, command me."

Aya couldn't help but whistle softly. The Dryad was stunning—more so than Aya remembered from the game. While the Sacred Tree Dryad had been popular for her beauty and story, seeing her in person was an entirely different experience.

"Beautiful." Aya murmured before stepping back and gesturing toward the surroundings.

"This is where I'd like to build a home." She said.

The central lake of the forest was a breathtaking paradise. The circular lake had four water inlets and three outlets. Its waters were calm, crystal clear, and abundant with fish. Surrounding the lake was a lush meadow, bordered by dense forest.

Even the Elven Dragon considered this spot the best in the forest.

Aya, too, was satisfied with the location, though she found it odd that no monsters seemed to inhabit such a prime area.

"Here?" The Dryad asked, her voice tinged with disapproval.

"Forgive me for speaking out of turn, Madam." The Dryad continued, "But this place is not worthy of you."

Aya blinked, confused. To her, this serene haven was perfect—especially compared to the grim, lifeless world of her previous life.

"The life element here is minimal. The lake water isn't even spiritual, let alone holy. How can such a place befit our lady mistress?" The Dryad lamented.

Turning to the Elven Dragon, the Dryad asked, "You chose this place, green dragon?"

The dragon rolled its eyes, "Try sensing the forest properly, little tree." It replied. The term green dragon annoyed him, but given the long-standing friendship between Elven Dragons and Sacred Tree Dryads, he let it slide.

The Dryad's expression remained puzzled as one of her vine-like hairs extended and touched the ground. After a moment, her face softened with understanding but was soon replaced by disappointment.

"Even so, this place is beneath you." She muttered.

Aya tilted her head, unsure of how to respond, "Couldn't you plant some trees? I summoned you specifically to help build a tree house."

"A tree house?" The Dryad's mood brightened, and she smiled warmly, "It would be my honor to create such a home for you."

"You can also transform the environment here." The Elven Dragon interjected.

"I can, but my ability is insufficient to summon a permanent Tree of Creation." The Dryad admitted.

Aya didn't mind—she thought the location was already ideal. But seeing the dragon and Dryad looking so serious, she hesitated to voice her thoughts.

In the game, the Dryad's most notable ability was summoning trees that enhanced friendly units. These sacred trees provided long-lasting buffs but could be destroyed, ending their effects.

At level 85, this Dryad could summon the highest-tier tree—a temporary Tree of Creation. Lower-tier trees, like the Emerald Spirit Tree, could be summoned permanently.

Permanent Trees of Creation were exceedingly rare, typically only appearing under special conditions, such as when players defeated and purified the plot boss, The Corrupted Dryad Queen.

Aya's summoned Dryad, however, could only create temporary versions.

"I'm sorry, Madam." The Dryad said dejectedly, "If only I were the Queen..." Her voice trailed off as the wreath on her head began to wither.

Aya frowned, 'Even if the Queen were here, I couldn't summon her. She's a boss-level character.' Unsure of how to comfort the Dryad, she hesitated before pulling her into a gentle embrace.


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