Science/Magic

Hearts of the Forest were very valuable objects.

Elves used them to nurture great trees to expand their forest, and gods could use them to extend their lifespan.

Even for normal people, it was a treasure. If a normal person consumed a Heart of the Forest, they could strengthen their soul and perhaps get a new ability.

In fact, just coming into contact with the Heart of the Forest strengthened Bloed's C-Grade ESP Ability, [Enhanced Brain Capacity]. Imaginary Slash and Door of Nothingness were created thanks to that.

However, the value of Hearts of the Forest to normal humans was much less compared to gods. Lifespan was something that everybody desired, and powerful beings like gods desired it even more.

Thus, the value of the Heart of the Forest was immensurable. Anyone would be tempted to get it.

Perhaps part of the reason that Princess Elwha trusted Bloed's group that much was that they never showed greed for the Heart of the Forest.

But even if Bloed's group did not show much greed for it, it was not the same for others.

Due to that, when the news that there was a Heart of the Forest in Academy City was made public, multiple organizations across the continent started to move.

Just a few hours after Headmistress Wave received the news, five different churches had contacted her asking if it was true.

Of course, the dragon headmistress was not foolish to admit it. She calmly denied the rumors as nonsense.

But as soon as the communications ended, her expression became grave.

"This is bad…" She muttered.

[How did the news leak out?] Asked the elf king, who was still communicating with the headmistress through the magic array. [Could it have been someone from your side?]

"I fear not. The people that know about it are completely trustworthy." The headmistress said while looking at Bloed. "Plus, it's strange that the news spread so quickly."

The elf king fell silent.

In fact, both the elf king and the headmistress had a guess about who had leaked the news.

The Church of Slaughter.

The question was, why?

Bloed was wondering the same. Spreading the news about the Heart of the Forest would only add competitors for the Church of Slaughter. Their chance of getting it would be lower.

'What is it then?' Bloed racked his brain for an answer, but nothing seemed likely.

[What should we do, Headmistress? Should I send a delegation to Academy City for the Heart?]

"That is not good. The gods know that the elves need Hearts of the Forest the most. If the elves send anyone to the city now, the gods will immediately confirm their suspicions."

[Should we then transport it secretly? A demigod can move it to the forest in a few days.]

"No good either. I'm sure that several gods are paying attention to the city at this moment. If a demigod leaves the city now, he will be intercepted shortly after that."

The elf king fell silent. He knew that the Headmistress was right.

However, he did not have any other idea.

The Headmistress was also silent. She then shook her head slightly and looked at the elf king.

"I will think about a solution, Your Majesty. Rest assured, I will make everything in my power to make the heart reach your hands."

[… I understand. Please tell me if the situation changes.]

"I will."

After that, the headmistress cut off the communication with the elf king.

As soon as the communication array was turned off, the Headmistress turned to Bloed and Regina with a grave expression.

"We must get the Heart of the Forest away from the city as soon as possible. If the Heart of the Forest remains here, this place will turn into a battlefield."

Bloed nodded with a stern expression. He knew that the headmistress was right.

"… But, how are we going to take it out of the city."

"Just take it out normally." The Headmistress simply said. "You are just a B-Rank boy. No god will think that the Heart of the Forest is with you. Plus, Regina does not have mana. As soon as she disguises herself and doesn't use her power, hardly any god will know how strong she really is."

Bloed thought that the Headmistress's plan was solid.

The problem was–

"It's too risky." Regina opposed immediately.

Yes, it was too risky.

If any god learned that they had the Heart, then they would be in great danger.

Headmistress Wave bit her lips and nodded. However, she did not have a better plan.

They could not trust anyone else with the Heart of the Forest. In fact, she did not dare. Even if she gave it to someone loyal to her, she could not guarantee that the gods will not notice it. At least Bloed's case, Regina was there to protect him.

At that moment, Elwha spoke up with a determined expression.

"… This is my people's problem, Bloed. I will bring it to the forest myself."

Bloed was startled before smiling wryly.

"Do you really think I will let my lover do something so risky?"

Elwha blushed, but her gaze was still determined. She did not plan to change her mind.

Bloed knew it as well, so he smiled bitterly. He then thought for a moment and weighed his options. Finally, he heaved a long sigh.

"I understand. I'll go with you."

"Master!" Regina immediately shouted, but Bloed continued calmly.

"The Heart of the Forest is an important part of our plan, Regina. Don't worry, you will go with us. And I promise you that if the situation becomes very dangerous, I will leave the Heart of the Forest behind, and you will take the two of us to safety." He said while looking at Elwha, making it clear that she needed to agree to this condition or he would not agree to her request.

The elf princess hesitated briefly before nodding.

Seeing that, Regina could only sigh.

"I understand. My duty is to protect you, master. I will not let any danger befall you."

With that, the group's trip to the Boerner Forest was decided.