Albert Sylvanus's deed with the Jade Principality has brought a lot of words into the world. A single man's actions had brought enough fear to bring a powerful nation like Jade Principality to their knees. They sent negotiators to King Lereu and the Hertia Lich Kingdom, to try and ease negotiations before anything else.

Even the non-humans began their talks about the human known as Albert Sylvanus. Wondering what kind of human was powerful enough to be the Pactmaker of the Ancients and the Familiars whose powers were beyond measure. The ones who faced him in battle immediately made it clear that they'd rather kill themselves than face Albert Sylvanus in battle. Many wonder what is Albert Sylvanus doing?

Truth be told, he was watering the plants and trimming hedges.

"Your Grace. You shouldn't be doing this work." Terra gestured to the gardeners who seemed to be feeling replaceable.

"I need to do something Terra. I just want to take my mind off work. I already completed the documents right? Let me have a moment of joy."

"Yes, I would love nothing more than that, Your Grace. But your gardeners may feel a little disheartened." Albert stopped with trimming the hedges, putting the tools aside.

"It is a good day to relax but you have gotten a letter from the Royal Castle."

"Again? It's like they're calling me there all the time. When can I ever get a break." Albert grumbled as he took the letter from Terra's hands, where water magic was used to cleanse his body, followed by fire magic to dry his body off. Tying his hair into a tail, Albert's official tailcoat formed over his body.

"Please take the carriage this time. Reimi will be accompanying you this time." Albert nodded as he walked over to the entrance, seeing Reimi on horseback with the other Sylvanus Knights in the official colours of white and blue. Now heading over to the Royal Castle as Albert boarded the carriage.

Bored out of his mind, Albert was trying to think about what he would need to do next.

"Lord of Thorns." The voice of the 5th Bellwitch transmitted to his mind.

"The Hunters of Cresnax are now being empowered with their past lives. The many blessings and unique classes are now underway. The items you procured from that world has been useful to craft the weapons of their pasts and your brother. Jensen has headed over to a world that Lorelei has brought him to gain his allies. The Keepers are affiliated with Avatars in a special way and it seems that Jensen has remembered many Avatars in his journey. He is doing his best. Albeit it is difficult in his current state due to the regression."

"He will be fine. It's good to hear. I'm still trying to get more unique materials but it's been taking some time."

"Do not fret. The others are undergoing their special quests. Most of them aren't Avatar level but they are strong. Now we will see what changes. I will continue forging weapons until the time comes. Which will take... Quite long due... To you breaking Garden as a whole."

"Sorry if that ruined your expectations."

"Not an issue. Do what you always do." The voice went quiet as Albert got down from the carriage with Reimi and the Sylvanus Knights waiting for him. The usual greetings as Albert knelt to await the orders.

"Albert Sylvanus. There is a summit where the World Leaders are going to have talks and we will be attending. I'd like to ask you to go in my stead. It's also important because at this point. The other military generals and I agree as your title as the Blade of the Kingdom is suitable due to the sensitive nature of what is to be discussed. It is about Divine Beasts and Summon Spirits that are part of restoring the world's balance. The Divine Beasts and Summon Spirits are now acting up once more. The Summit will be held within two weeks but I suggest you make your way to the location soon.I hope you will make your preparations for it."

"Understood, Your Majesty."Albert looked at the Princess and Saintess, who were unnerved at his presence. Even the nobles who were present could barely keeping their eyes on Albert due to what they have seen the other day. The violent actions against Baron Mislow and the other nobles that conspired with Jade Principality. The Duke headed back home where he decided to make prepare some of the tea for Yuliana.

Ensuring that she will have enough for herself, if he's gone. Terra will be handling the matters to her safety and such.. After he finished making the tealeaves into the teabags for further use, Albert would walk out to see Blackfoot nuzzling its head over his feet. Hunching down to give a few pats to the little rabbit, hearing the teeth grinding with content.

Blackfoot proceeded to just zoom around the garden while the other animals went to greet Albert. Nuzzling their heads over to his hands, letting him give them scratches. Yuliana came out with a basket of vegetables from the garden, where the animals proceeded to move over to her.

"Getting used to the estate?"

"Ah, Your Grace!Yes." The white haired maiden greeted Albert as she fed Blackfoot a lettuce leaf.

"Please, call me Albert." She nodded as she patted the heads of the many creatures that were eating from her basket. Smiling brightly.

"I'll be leaving in two days. Terra will be here to keep you safe."

"Okay. Have a safe trip." She said where Albert could see her knights just glaring at him.

"I can't believe the Saint wishes to spend time with that monster!"

"I expected him to actually talk to the Saint... Not.. Ignore her completely."

"I will take my leave." Albert left for his room, he could not think of anything else to do. So he might as well just sleep the days away in laziness. A good sleep for two days straight, Albert was even fresher than before. Though today, he was going to go for a nice hot bath in the tub, thinking about the changes that are bound to come around in Cresnax because of the newly awakened Hunters.

Albert went outside as he got on Zephyr's back, riding to the Summit's location. The Beaumont Kingdom, Elven territory. Sure they were beautiful but it hid their nature of wishing humans to be their servants instead. Though it was the same for the Jade Principality that kept the non-humans as their servants. Though one of the conditions for Albert Sylvanus to not destroy the entire Principality was the release of the non-humans back to their homes.

Whatever else was their problem. The plan for the journey was for Albert to reach a port town known as Linwell which was an international trading port that would have a ship ready for him to head over to the Elven continent. A nice port town with ships passing through, along with the many merchants that were marketing their wares. Spices, herbs, guns, swords, daggers, leather goods. Armor pieces. Whatever else one would need.

Adventurers were primarily hired to help the town with work. Menial tasks of all kinds to killing beasts, today Albert was making his way through the town on Zephyr. The sight of a Spectral horse was enough to remind the residents here that they were seeing the Silver Lion of Sylvanus. The silver hair tied to a tail along with the gloves that were his weapons.

Albert was catching the attention of everyone else, particularly the humans who were seeing the beauty of the Silver Lion of Sylvanus. Not a scar on his face. When he inquired for a boat, people pointed him the path of a merchant ship that was going to head there. The adventurers inside turned to Albert who was riding the Spectral Horse, getting off Zephyr.

"Stay in my shadow." The horse vanished, as Albert walked on over to take seat. Cross legged, clasping his hands together where he was focusing on his breathing.

"A meditation technique? It's a bit unrefined." Albert heard a horse voice coming from the right.

"It isn't a perfect technique. But it helps to keep my body in shape in places where I do not wish to use too much of my power."

"Ho..Ho.. Your tongue is quite silver. A noble taking a merchant ship, and alone. You must be the silver lion. My pun was very intended." Albert opened his eyes to look at the elderly man with a cane.

"You must be from the Eastern continent. From the Golden City?"

"Yes. I've heard of your feats but it seems your techniques aren't perfect."

"The technique is a house hold heirloom. It was taught to us by someone my grandfather had met. A swordsman in the Golden City. I believe the name was Cheong Gi."

"Ho..Ho. Boy. So you know the tale." The elderly man sat in front of Albert.

"My name is Cheong Gi. You have good eyes." A grin where a strong pressure was being unleashed at Albert's direction. The control was amazing, directing it to one person instead of letting the others by the ship to feel it.

"Can I learn that too? My killing intent normally hits everyone but I want to learn how to divert it to one person alone."

"You can even ask such a question? Boy you're more daring than I thought. Let me pump up the intensity." Albert actually felt this, he felt his feet trembling, his breathing's calm was now sporadic. Even when he faced a God, he didn't feel this pressure. Truly, Albert understood the arrogance he had in superiority. His current power meant nothing to this man.

"Please... Teach... Me... This.." Cheong Gi stopped, the elderly man laughed loudly.

"Boy! You truly are a Silver Lion! I will teach this technique to you. Your grandfather couldn't finish training because his country was in a state of emergency. You have mastered the foundation but I will give you the remaining building blocks to build a fortress. This technique is known as the Demonic Aura. Your killing intent can subdue enemies with it." The Mask of Grief merely amplified that but now, Albert or rather Silas has another tool by his belt.

"Thank you, Master." The trip to the continent would take 15 days but in those 15 days, Albert was going to perfect the skills granted to him by Cheong Gi. Sharpening the Demonic Aura until it became a weapon of its own. The idea behind it? Was to think of the aura as a weapon that can be wielded by the mind. Directing it to inanimate objects was enough to leave dents and slowly damage them. There's a lot of control that needs to be exercised. Albert was trying to carve a block of wood into a sculpture, but he ended up decimating the entirety of the block.

"A sea serpent!" Albert looked over at it where it stopped, lowering its head to the starboard bow of the ship. Where Albert placed his hand on its nose. It was larger than the ship itself, easily could crush it without much effort.

"Did we startle you?" The serpent nodded.

"Sorry, but we need to make it through. It seems that the balance of this world has been tampered with. Will you please tell the others to be careful?" Gentle words to a sea serpent known to destroy any ship that it wishes. The sea serpent nodded, nuzzling its head over Albert's cheeks.

"I will be your shield. May I serve you?" The Sea Serpent spoke with its voice reaching the passengers by the ship.

"I'm sure you will have a young master in the future. The friend of all beasts." Albert's answer earned a nod from the creature.

"I see. I will accompany you to grant safe passage. The Divine Beast of Water and the Summon Spirit of Water... If your work will help change the future of this land, I will accompany you." The passage was smoother than ever, the fact that Albert could speak to such beasts was something new for many that were onboard.

When the ship reached its destination, Albert bid farewell to Cheong Gi as he ventured on with Zephyr to the Beaumont Kingdom which he could see from the port itself thanks to the large tree that was its symbol. The World Tree. Looks like Albert was getting caught up in this. Riding the horse through the streets and into the elven forest. Zooming past the towns without any form of rest. Reaching the Beaumont Kingdom. Hidden by the tall trees that could protect it from artillery. The bark of the tree could be seen and that was enough for him to know where he was.

Albert got off Zephyr, taking a moment to look at how the Elves lived in harmony in the forest. Their homes were in some of the trees, while some had buildings made of elven magic. The Elves readied their bows to aim at Albert along with the other guards readying their weapons.

"Stop! Identify yourself!"

"Albert Sylvanus of Reznoa. I am here by the orders of my King as his representative." Albert said as he showed his document, where the guards who took it were still in their cautious state. Alarmed and they were waiting for things to be done.

"Alright. You may pass, but do not cause any trouble." Albert took the document back, walking into Beaumont's walls. Seeing the many elves that were glaring at him, multiple arrows aimed at his limbs. Clearly they were trying to kill him if he did anything. Albert took out a cigarette where it was shot by an arrow. Shrugging it off as Albert made his way to the world tree, where the leaders and representatives of the world were present. Including the other worlders, still glaring at Albert from what he did to their allies.

"Ah. Duke Sylvanus. You've come to us just in time. Please take your seat." Albert looked around, seeing how there were no seats available for him. The Elven King smiled at him, an attempt of mockery to Albert. The roots of the tree was something that he could see. It was dying, it was drying up and looked like it was on its last legs.

"Continue. I merely need to hear the details."

"Of course. Of course. Currently the balance of mana and the elements have gone astray. This is due to an unknown figure, a person not affiliated with humans and non-humans alike. Has been trying to damage the balance in order to cause the world to destroy itself. The deserts of sand had turned into deserts of snow. Even the ice of the northern regions have melted away. The demon realm is now filled with light and the places that have been blessed by the angels are now blanketed by darkness. The World Tree is also dying as a result of the disbalance. The World Tree has been trying to protect us from its birth is now slowly but surely being destroyed. The Saintess of Reznoa has suppressed the miasma to the best of her abilities but now a new problem has occurred. That is why this summit has been made. The World Tree has chosen the individuals that will be carrying out the task to find the Divine Beasts and Summon Spirits to appease it. These will be known as the Tree's Chosen.. The Chosen also includes you, Albert Sylvanus."

Albert raised an eyebrow to that declaration.

"Yes, a human was chosen. The others that will join you in this quest. Will be Elven Archer Thessalia Craralei, Dwarven mage Tukkorli Forgebelly, Dragon Mevyr Icebreath, Demon Vogril of Darkness, Angel Omael and Werewolf Otsoko Crimson. The criteria of the others had been chosen carefully but Albert Sylvanus's criteria... Has not been explained as the World Tree's Guardian could not elaborate any further."

"What?! A human to be brought on this journey with them!? Where is the Guardian?!" The sounds of protests began to parade as the Chosen stood beside the Elven King. They glared at Albert who let out a sigh.

"How can we accept a human like you within our ranks?! You humans are inferior to our kin! Your Majesty, why bother with the invitation!?"

"That's right! Those humans cannot do anything right!" The sounds of protest continued on. Mocking Albert at every turn, Albert could ignore it. So far nothing was worth his time and they weren't worth the trouble.

The World Tree's Guardian made their appearance, a woman dressed in green. An Alraune who grimaced at Albert's presence.

"I do not know why the World Tree has chosen a human like you. Nor will I approve of it."

"Then why bother with the invitation?" Albert asked where the others laughed.

"To make a mockery and remind you that you're beneath us. The other worlders can help the Chosen. You do not have a place here!" The Alraune spoke where Albert let out another sigh. This same song and dance was annoying, pressing the sides of his forehead to process this stupidity.

"Enough!" They heard a voice rage on that caused all of them to fall down, except for Albert.

"This voice... World Tree?"

"Alraune! How dare you insult him! How dare all of you belittle the one who can save this world!"

"Hey." Albert interrupted as he put a cigarette to his lips, lighting it up.

"You know the cause of the mana imbalance, don't waste my time." Albert said.

"How dare you sp-"

"SILENCE!" The World Tree's voice silenced everyone in the room.

"Albert Sylvanus... No, Lord of Thorns. Please... This world... I need you to save it." Albert puffed out the smoke from his lips as he shook his head.

"You lost control over the elemental Divine Beasts and Summon Spirits. That someone's been messing with their powers and broke your control over them. So now they've lost their minds and are just raging about. It's a Demi-God isn't it?"

"As expected of the Lord of Thorns. You are correct... The person is slowly breaking the doors of the realm to unleash the hordes of demons that are hellbent to destroy this world and turn into their own paradise but another figure wishes to have the angels return and force all to submit to the Gods. Lord of Thorns.. No, Avatar of the Seasons. This endeavor can be done on your own and you will have no need for the other of my Chosen. They are a backup in case you turn this down. I am aware that you are here for other reasons..." That revelation shocked those within the halls.

"You don't have to ask. I'll sort this out. Your Chosen aren't weak. You're concerned that they cannot stop the Divine Beasts and Summon Spirits from their rampage. You have the weapons for them to stop it crafted into your roots."

"But even so, to unshackle the pain and anguish they have. It will need something greater. An equal to keep it calm. You are the equal, Avatar of Seasons. For the seasons are part of this world's mana... Do you know the words?"

"For when snow falls down to call for winter, for the heat that calls summer, for the gentle breeze of spring and for the dried leaves of fall. I, Albert Sylvanus. The 13th Lord of Thorns, Avatar of Seasons swear an oath to aid the Chosen in their journey to become the Guardians of this world. I will temper them to be the finest warriors that shall protect this world from those that wish to harm it." Albert declared as they see the tree glowed a bright green light.

The Chosen could see weapons floating in front of them. Shining and made with the finest materials.

"The sharpness of their blades have been matched with yours, Avatar of Seasons. Forgive me for using this."

"No, it's fair. They'll need weapons that can be used to cut through anything short of a God after all. I'm sure you have this cleared with the Supreme Goddess?"

"Of course. It has been clarified." Albert looked at the two blades in front of him, brass knuckle grip type with a single edged blade. Albert slot his fingers into the rings, a tight clench over the grip. Where the blade disappeared.

"The blades will form at the top or bottom, depending on how you wish to use them. I've also made a limiter for the weapons of the Chosen due to their... Nature." Albert smacked his head with the two weapons.

"For the love of... You gave them Living Weapons? Don't you know how temperamental those are!? If they reject their owners, they won't be able to use them for a while! I understand the power but come on!" Albert groaned as when the Chosen grabbed the weapons, Thessalia watched as her bow hit her on the head and moved behind Albert. The weapons reacted negatively to their owners.

"Why are you hiding behind my back?" Albert turned his head to the weapons that were behind him.

"I don't like her! She's mean!" the bow made noise, shaking its strings as a vocal chord.

"That angel is mean to you! I don't like it if they are mean to you, master!"

"Master? World Tree. Did you forget to tell them?"

"Er..." The World Tree's silence was an answer for Albert.

"It may be best if I held onto these for a while, until the favorability gets better."

"But why!?" Alraune raised her voice.

"If Thessalia used the bow, the bow might injure her instead and it can leave her bleeding for a long period of time. If the Omael used the lance, the lance may redirect to another direction and hurt another target. They have their own thoughts and feelings. If they used it now, it may cause them to hurt each other. Thorn sharpness can cut down everything with exception of a God." Albert explained as the Chosen turned to each other.

"It can't be helped." Otsoko, the crimson werewolf said. Looking over at the gauntlets that seemed to be hovering over Albert's face.

"World Tree... I Otsoko of the Crimson Tribe will follow the human."

"Good. Oh by the way." Lugasa appeared by Albert's side, sitting on a chair while reading newspaper. Even wearing a pair of circular glasses and a pipe in his mouth.

"Lugasa?"

"Why am I here? I was handling some documents... Oh. A Crimson Werewolf." Lugasa folded the newspaper and put it by his armpit, glaring at Otsoko who glared back.

"Kid's the strongest in this world eh. Why don't you come and give uncle Lugasa a hug!?" Otsoko charged at Lugasa with both hands, flaming claws that were reaching Lugasa. Only to see the attacks be stopped by Lugasa's fist.

"You got the flames, but not the power." Lugasa punched Otsoko into the roots of the world tree, leaving a crack in it.

"Train the kid in power. That will be enough. Otsoko of the Crimson Tribe!" Otsoko got out from the roots, limping over with the broken bones and shattered claws. His canines had chipped badly as a result of the attack.

"In time. I will teach you the Peak Skill. Werewolf's Pride. You're too weak as you are now." Lugasa said as he put his glasses back on, then walking past Albert. Vanishing into flaming petals of roses.

"World Tree.. Mind not summoning my Familiars as you please? I have them doing work so they are busy." Albert spoke with annoyance at the action. To think the World Tree could summon Lugasa here.

"I apologize, Avatar of Seasons. I merely wanted them to understand that my decision to have you on this journey is not a fluke. Particularly my idiot of a Guardian, Alraune. Out of all the humans I've met. You are the only one who I like the most. You're so dutiful it puts her to shame."

"But World Tree I!" Alraune was suddenly covered by roots that pulled her back into the roots.

"Hush. It's not every day I get to talk to an Avatar of Seasons. When all is said and done. I'll be sure to grant you materials that you will need later on... Now Chosen. Please join the Avatar of Seasons and I'd like to tell you this. His power is not a joke. If you think what the invasion he repelled at the Lich Kingdom was a fluke. You truly need to be humbled. He's not an easy teacher. I dare say he's very spartan like." The World Tree chuckled at those words, it seems that this tree was playful by nature.

"For this journey, I'll leave it entirely to you as the leader."

"I'll pass. You have Chosen. My job will only be important later down the line." Albert said as he waved his arms to reject the motion of him being the leader.

"You'll have to forgive me for putting you on a pedestal. For those of us who are of the seasons, you are akin to a demigod to us. The same will be said if you meet the dryads or the plants in certain regions." Albert gave up. There's no use trying to bargain with this tree, it's acting like a fanboy.

"Take your time to decide. I'm not going to vote on it. Now I'm going outside to take a break." Albert took his leave, not wanting to stay any longer or the world tree might do something even crazier. Stepping outside with a lit cigarette, Albert found a bench for him to sit on. Whatever those Chosen were going to choose, Albert was not going to give a shit about it. It was not his job and none of his concern.

The act of smoking was bringing a lot of contempt but whenever an arrow was launched, a root of the World Tree would appear to block the arrow. Might be sucking up to Albert to make Albert the leader. Even then, Albert couldn't actually give a shit. He wanted to take a break but it seems like trouble likes to knock on his damn door. And he's always answering.