Nic headed back to the inn since it was already starting to get dark.
Once inside, Nic checked his phone to dig up more info on Kyushin. However, he found that some information was either deleted or locked on a specific website that only long-time Eastern users could access. This piqued Nic's curiosity.
"Heh, nothing's gonna stop me from finding info on the internet. Zeta, activate God of Hacker," Nic said with a devious smirk.
[ Activated ]
Nic breached the website with ease and gained full access.
As it turned out, it wasn't just an info site; it was actually a forum where Eastern citizens shared their experiences and discussed everything about the region. Everything was there even old history passed down by the older generation.
Nic searched for "Kyushin" and found results immediately. Many users claimed that Kyushin was the most powerful entity, so much so that even the government couldn't touch them.
"Hmm, let's see why they seem to be at each other's throats..."
But he hit a dead end. There was no direct explanation for the feud. It was officially described as a "clean rivalry," yet the reviews showed people constantly badmouthing the opposing side and acting like total fanatics about their own territory.
"That's weird. What kind of 'clean rivalry' looks like this? Seems like something has shifted... What do you think, Zeta?"
[ It's a generational factor, Master Nic. It seems the older generation did indeed have a tradition of clean rivalry, but over time, that has eroded into a harsh, bitter conflict. ]
"Hmm, makes sense. No matter what, nothing stays the same in a long-term competition. Their views were bound to change and eventually go off the rails."
[ Does Master Nic intend to conquer both? ]
"Ideally, taking over both would be easier, but I feel like that won't be fully successful... better to just wait and see how things play out for now."
[ Where to next, Master Nic? The Shin territory? Or continue to the Natural Tree of Heaven? ]
"I want to finish dealing with the tree guardians and their flowers first. Especially the one remaining endangered tree I haven't visited yet the Flamboyant Tree. I think I'll head there."
After that, Nic went to bed early so he could wake up at the break of dawn.
---
The next morning, Nic headed out at 5 AM and passed by Hinata's garden.
It was quiet with no one around. "Well, looks like they're still asleep."
Nic hurried toward the Flamboyant Tree tourist spot, curious about which flower would be its partner.
When he arrived, the place was deserted, though it was already open with a guard on duty.
The guard looked at Nic. "Hey, why are you here so early?"
"Eh? Oh, I just wanted to enjoy the scenery while it's quiet, before the crowds show up," Nic replied casually.
The guard just nodded silently and handed him a ticket. After paying, Nic entered the site.
"Zeta, do you think she'll show up this early?"
[ Just think logically, Master Nic. ]
"Ugh..."
Nic walked around as usual. He never stopped being amazed by how beautiful these trees were. Every tree had its own unique charm, and he was still baffled as to why they were considered "endangered."
"If it's about low income... is it really that bad? I mean, I bet they just earn slightly less than the others, not that they're actually broke..."
[ That is correct, Master Nic. According to the data I found while you were searching for info, their income is actually quite high. The bottom three are only labeled 'low' because of a single-digit difference in the figures. ]
"That's ridiculous. They're intentionally creating the narrative that these places are failing, even though they're doing just fine."
While he was grumbling to Zeta, a very distinct and fragrant floral scent wafted through the air. Nic recognized it immediately.
"Wait... a Rose?" Nic muttered.
"Spot on... Nice to meet you, I'm Rosa, the guardian of the Rose. I happen to always show up in the morning... though I'm surprised to see a visitor at this hour," Rosa said.
"Oh... I'm Nic. So, you're the partner of the Flamboyant Tree guardian?" Nic asked.
Rosa nodded.
"And I'm not going to test you like the other flowers did... don't worry, I'm straightforward and I don't like making things complicated," Rosa said with an elegant smile.
Nic was a bit surprised but intrigued.
"Oh? Then do you know where the Flamboyant Tree guardian is?"
Rosa went quiet for a moment before saying softly, "He... he doesn't want to see anyone right now."
Nic thought for a second. "The Flamboyant guardian is supposed to be energetic and strong... what happened? Ah, the effect of the threats..."
Rosa studied Nic. "You look like a tourist, not a local. Want me to explain why the Flamboyant guardian is refusing to see anyone?"
"Wait a second. Yeah, I'm a tourist... but why are you being so blunt, Rosa? You're taking the initiative to tell me things you probably shouldn't," Nic said, slightly confused.
Rosa then explained gracefully that she wasn't always like this. She used to be quiet and reserved, but after becoming the Flamboyant's partner, she became more spirited. She was opened up by the Flamboyant guardian's sheer passion for everything, which ignited a fire in her and made her lose her reserved nature.
"I see... so he's the flame to your spark. I think I know why he's like this now," Nic said.
Rosa tilted her head. "You already know we're under threat?"
Nic nodded. "I need you to take me to him so we can talk."
"You're a strange tourist, but you seem trustworthy. Just don't blame me if he kicks you out," Rosa warned.
Nic nodded. "No worries, I can handle it."
Rosa led Nic out of the tourist area because the Flamboyant guardian wasn't there he was at their original territory.
When they arrived, Nic was shocked to see one of the Flamboyant Trees had been chopped down.
"What happened? Who cut this down?" Nic asked.
Rosa explained calmly, "That was the first threat from the government... because he rudely defied them for the third time, they took action like this."
Just hearing that made Nic furious. They had mindlessly cut down a beautiful tree that had clearly been growing for a very long time.
Nic went in alone to find Flamiya, the Flamboyant Tree guardian.
He searched everywhere but couldn't find her. "Dammit, where is she... Zeta, activate God of Tracker."
[ Activated. Master Nic, she is up in that large tree. ]
"Huh... a large tree?"
Nic looked around and saw an ordinary large tree nearby. When he looked up, he saw Flamiya staring down at him.
Nic was startled he hadn't realized she'd been there the whole time.
Rosa then walked up. "Flamiya has been there watching you walk around for a while now."
Nic went silent. He couldn't believe his strong instincts hadn't picked up on Flamiya's presence at all.
"Ugh... seriously, what is it? Hey, Rosa, didn't I tell you I don't want to see anyone?" Flamiya said, lounging casually on a branch.
Rosa apologized but mentioned that this tourist was different and wasn't a local.
"Hmm? A tourist? What do you want with me? I'm not in the mood..." Flamiya said dismissively.
Nic asked if she wanted his help so they wouldn't be phased out by the government.
Hearing that, Flamiya got fired up but only to laugh. She had already given up hope because seeing one of her trees cut down had crushed her spirit.
"And then you show up wanting to 'help'... that'll just result in more Flamboyant Trees getting destroyed! It's not that I don't trust you, I'm just afraid my trees will be ruined even more if they find out!" Flamiya shouted, her voice trembling with emotion.
Rosa could only stay silent and sigh.
As for Nic... he glared at Flamiya and said one short word: "OK."
It was a word Nic had never used before when talking to a girl he wanted to help.
Nic just turned around and walked away, leaving them both behind.
Flamiya was confused for a second but tried to act like she didn't care. "Phew... see, Rosa? He folded immediately and left... I told you to lower your expectations when it comes to people wanting to help."
Rosa watched Nic walk away. "I'm sorry, it's just... he looked like our last ray of hope. But whatever, I guess."
A while later, Flamiya and Rosa headed back toward the tourist area. But when they stepped out and looked at the Flamboyant Tree that had clearly been cut down, it was standing tall, sturdy, and blooming as if it were in its prime.
"What!? How!?" Flamiya gasped, unable to believe her eyes.
Rosa stepped closer and touched the thick trunk. It was solid not a single crack.
"This... it grew back... how is this possible? We aren't hallucinating, are we?" Rosa muttered.
Then, it clicked in Rosa's mind that this was Nic's doing.
"Are you crazy, Rosa? You seriously think he could do this? This isn't the work of a normal human!" Flamiya said, doubting it.
Flamiya tried to deny it, but then she noticed writing on the ground: "You are the spark for Rosa, but who is there to spark you?"
Seeing those words made Flamiya freeze. It was true she was Rosa's inspiration, but when she was down, there was no one to lift her up. While Rosa tried, it was only because of Flamiya's own influence. Without Rosa... there would be no one to encourage her.
Flamiya looked back at the Flamboyant Tree, which looked as fiery and vibrant as her own spirit. It reignited her fire. Her determination began to burn again, and Rosa noticed it.
"ALRIGHT-!! I KNOW THIS ISN'T THE END! ROSA! LET'S FIND HIM! I KNOW HE DID THIS!! WE DON'T NEED TO ASK HOW HE DID IT, WE JUST NEED TO KNOW WE CAN TRUST HIM!" Flamiya yelled.
Rosa smiled elegantly. "There she is... the Flamiya I love. LET'S GO!"
Before they could move, Nic appeared behind them. "No need to look for me. I came to find you guys, and I didn't intend to make you chase me down."
Flamiya and Rosa spun around to find Nic still there.
Flamiya, now full of energy, smiled. "Nic... I don't care how you brought my beautiful tree back... THAT WAS AMAZING, AND I'M SORRY FOR REJECTING YOU!"
"Flamiya believes in you now, Nic. Are you sure you can help us?" Rosa asked.
"I didn't come here to play around, so trust me. I'm not just helping you two, but everyone who's being threatened. One thing, though—don't talk about me. Just treat me like an ordinary guy in public," Nic said.
Flamiya and Rosa nodded. Afterward, Nic turned to leave, but as usual, Nic wouldn't miss a single opportunity.
Before walking away, Nic shot them both with his Cupid Arsenal > Pistol.
[ Ding! Congratulations, Flamiya and Rosa's affection and loyalty toward Master Nic have reached 100%! ]
[ Ding! Heart Claim activated! Both have been added to the Girlfriend List. ]
Nic walked away calmly. For now, he had secured the trust of the three endangered Natural Trees of Heaven. He could deal with the others that weren't under threat later.
"I think I'll head to the Shin territory next," Nic said to himself as he strolled toward the Shin area.
[ Prepare yourself, Master Nic... it's different there compared to the Kyu territory. ]
"I know... and that's exactly why I like it."
To be continued...