Chapter 226
“I respect you!” the Rainbow Bird declared, not just once but twice.
Silence hung in the air. Do-Jun didn’t say anything for a while. His eyes narrowed as he looked at the Hangul workbook in the Rainbow Bird’s hands. Why was this in its hands? Still, that wasn’t the main problem right now.
“I-I-I love Earth,” the Rainbow Bird stuttered.
Its twitching eyes darted around, avoiding Do-Jun’s gaze. Its eyes were unfocused, wavering unsteadily, while its complexion was pale, almost as if it was about to collapse. Its breath was short, and its hands trembled violently.
Over the years, Do-Jun had encountered many in similar situations. He wasn’t going to miss the unspoken plea behind the Rainbow Bird’s words.
Please spare me, the Rainbow Bird thought as his eyes silently begged for mercy.
Do-Jun let out a brief sigh and took the Hangul for Children workbook from Rainbow Bird’s hands to examine it. The book was well-used, with many folded pages and smudged fingerprints, clear signs of extensive use. After closing and returning the workbook to the bird, Do-Jun turned his attention to the fragile branches of the World Tree.
A noticeable number of them were broken. However, a faint green glow at the cut ends suggested they were slowly healing. While the recovery appeared sluggish, the branches would likely restore themselves if left undisturbed. That is, assuming there were no pests gnawing at the World Tree. Even if the World Tree’s magical energy seemed nearly infinite, constant attacks would eventually wear it down.
The initial step in the standard treatment for poisoning was to locate and remove the source.
The Rainbow Bird flinched as its eyes met Do-Jun’s. The icy coldness in Do-Jun’s gaze made it clear that mercy was not part of the equation. It realized it had to act quickly and decisively to escape this situation. Doing nothing would only guarantee its death.
It begged, “P-please, spare me. Whatever you do, just don’t kill—”
“I won’t kill you,” Do-Jun interjected before the Rainbow Bird could finish. “But under one condition.”