Chapter 31.1. Yggdrasil

-???’s POV-

There is one island floating in the sea. It is Hachijojima in Tokyo, an island built 50 years ago near the archipelago.

Built is the correct expression. Until then, it was just a reef, but it was reclaimed and turned into an island. The island was created as an artificial island, but over time the island was covered with forests, creating an environment rich in nature.

However, since it is an artificial island that was constructed according to a plan, the harbor is well-constructed, and the buildings leading from the harbor are well-ordered. That plan was showing.

The buildings arranged in a grid pattern resemble the old capital of Kyoto, and to cherish the scenery, the houses, and buildings are made like a mirror match.

It is a mysterious landscape. It would be too much madness to build the same buildings in a mirror-image fashion. People construct buildings freely.

To respect the landscape, there may be rules about not building buildings taller than a certain height, or about being careful with colors, but no one would listen to instructions to build the same building.

But on this island, the instructions were working. Everyone was constructing the same buildings.

The island was created as if creating a mirror world.

That is because this artificial island belongs to [Yggdrasil]. The devout followers of [Yggdrasil] live there to worship their guru.

Religious organization [Yggdrasil]. Only 60 years have passed since its establishment, but it was able to obtain an artificial island because the saint exists as its guru.

The artificial island was built with enormous wealth, the power to allow construction, and enough magical power to make the plan possible.

A townscape stretches to the center of the island. At the center of the island sits a huge building. Like the ancient capital of Kyoto and the palace where the lord of that city resided, it was a wooden building built in the palace style.

Supported by slender pillars, as if ignoring its weight, the building had intricately layered one-story buildings that looked as if they were floating, like a garden in the air, or a grand labyrinth from the sight of its intricate corridors going back and forth. It is a palace built with magical architecture with a strength far beyond its original physical strength.

There’s a palace where the guru of [Yggdrasil] resides. It’s a palace named [Yggdrasil Palace].

A magnificent and gorgeous palace. Among the believers, those who are pious life there to take care of the guru. Everyone has a calm expression and lives without chatting.

It’s a place of peace and tranquility. In the innermost part of the [Yggdrasil Palace], where the guru lives, a fat old man sat on a polished wooden floor. He wears a fine suit, proudly wears the House of Lords badge on his lapel, and his wrinkled face is horrified by repeated power struggles.

In the back room, which can be called the seat of honor, a bamboo blind is propped up, and through it, you can faintly see the shadow of a person. A solemn female voice can be heard through the blinds.

“O Life Leaf of Yggdrasil, heal this man’s body with a fragment of eternal life.”

[Life Leaf].

As the seated man’s body glows faintly, the appearance of his face changes. The man’s face, wrinkled and spotted, was transformed, the wrinkles reduced, and the spots disappeared.

Then the light subsides, and the man flops down on his body. He rolls his shoulders, twists his hips, and grins.

“Oh, Guru-sama! My body feels better! The numbness from physical exhaustion is gone, and my aching back is healed. The stomach upset I always felt is gone, and I feel refreshed!”

More than impressed, the smirk and sneer express the superior’s feeling of deserved superiority.

“That’s good to hear. Senator, I hope you are feeling better and you will continue to be active in politics. Also, the offer that healed your health this time…”

“Ha ha ha! You can count on me. I will ask my acquaintances to ensure that there are no further prosecution pursuits against [Yggdrasil].”

“That’s a big deal. I’ll leave it to you.”

“Leave it to me! We’ll discuss a thick steak as soon as I get home. After all, I can eat as much as I want now!”

Declaring he’ll start overworking his healed body as soon as possible. The senator patted his fat belly.

“Be moderate. That body has just healed. It can break down again…”

“I understand, Guru-sama. Please take care of me again.”

The senator nodded with a high laugh, but it was easy to predict that she would never protect him, but the guru did not say anything more. She knew it would be futile.

Then the senator bowed, stood up and left the room in high spirits. As soon as he got home, he would probably have drinks, women, and a sumptuous meal. His flabby face remained grinning and ugly smiling.

Five followers emerged from the opposite aisle and passed by the senator. One of them glanced sideways at the senator and huffed as if the follower were making fun of him.

The senator would take his waiting secretary and head up to the waiting helicopter.

The five of them enter the back room and sit in front of the curtain, each in their seat. Some sit neatly in seiza, others on hutches, each in their way. Some do not look as if they are paying homage to the Guru. The only thing they have in common is they wear white robes and deep hoods that hide their faces.

“Guru-sama, you are in a good mood.”

Of the five, the one with the straight back and neatly sitting upright bows their head in greeting. From their demeanor, it is clear that they respect the Guru.

“Guru-sama, that senator’s secretary was handing the trunk case he’s carrying to the receptionist.”

“It must contain a billion dollars if it’s that big.”

“That’s a lot of money for a single magic trick.”

“An equal share, I hope?”

The others are all in the same tone, ranging from lighthearted to companionable. Some were grinning and twisted their mouths as if they wanted the money.