Positive little sun, magical girl, I am awesome

Chapter 517 Secret Place Opening

Since the Holy War era, Goletia Academy has stood in the heart of the Gaia Empire for a thousand years. The academy was built first, and then the city gradually developed around it, so its area is much larger than most students realize. However, for various reasons, many places have stopped lighting up over the years, and the buildings that are still open are enough for today's students to carry out activities.

Therefore, in many places, many students may not have the chance to see it until graduation.

For example, at the bottom of the slope behind the Castle of Goletia, a pair of gates were opened yesterday. The mottled white walls were covered with dragon blood vines and ghost orchids. Star patterns made of silver wire could still be seen between the broken pointed arch window frames. Twelve stone pillars supported the high dome. The plant totem carvings that were once clearly visible on it have now mostly weathered, leaving only pale outlines.

A huge crack in the center of the dome poured down a waterfall of moonlight, and dust misted in it, as if it was happy to see living people again. Where the moonlight fell—

A sapling half a man's height stretched out its leaves and took root here. It was originally the color of an ordinary tree, but golden sap was flowing in every vein of its leaves, making it emit a brilliant golden light. So from a distance, it looked like a small golden tree.

There were still some broken furniture in the corner, also covered by various vines. Catherine sat in a chair with a broken leg, looking at the short tree from a distance. She didn't know how long she sat there.

The witch's mystical chanting echoed in the empty hall for a long time. The golden leaves of the small tree danced in the wind, casting an ever-changing rune halo on the ground.

It was Phoebe. Her expression was extremely serious. After she finished chanting the spell, she immediately tilted the silver container in her hand and poured the unknown liquid under the small tree.

Catherine was not looking at the tree, but at the person under the tree——

A large hole was dug in the fertile black soil under the tree, and most of Canion's body was buried in it. Thanks to Phoebe's continuous efforts over the past two days, the small tree seemed to recognize Canion as a part of itself. Its slender roots drilled into his wound, and a faint golden light appeared under his gray skin, which made him look more alive.

Phoebe finally finished her work. She squatted down and felt Canion's breath, then breathed a sigh of relief. Although it looked a little strange, she had helped Cynthia keep the child alive. Phoebe was about to feel proud when she turned around and saw Catherine, who was huddled in a broken chair and looked at her blankly.

"Isn't it beautiful?"

While Catherine was still in a daze, Phoebe came to her side and sat down in the messy ruins. Both of their clothes were covered with dust, but no one cared about these details at the moment. Phoebe and Catherine looked at the little golden tree together, and continued talking without waiting for her response.

"I heard there's one in Blackstone, but I never had the chance to see it."

"...Are you referring to the little sacred tree in Blackstone?" Catherine finally found her voice, but it was extremely hoarse.

"That's right. I heard that the tree has grown very big, and its color is different from the one in the Elf Forest. After all, it is rooted in the center of the earth..." Phoebe leaned back. The old chair could no longer provide support. The backrest broke with a crackling sound. She almost fell over, and quickly used magic to stabilize herself in mid-air.

"Is this also... a sacred tree?"

Catherine remembered the ancient red-black tree in Blackstone that covered most of the dungeon. Although it was not as magnificent as the tree in the Elf Forest that seemed to support the sky, it had also grown to a remarkable scale. But the one in front of her did not seem to be as tall as the peony bushes in the rose garden.

"Not really. They are all branches broken off from the sacred tree." Phoebe sighed as she looked at the small tree.

"They were probably cut down around the same time, but look at this one in Gloriadia... I heard the elves wanted to destroy it before they left, but they couldn't bring themselves to do it. It's just that without the elves nurturing it, it stopped growing. What a pity, considering the roof was so high back then..."

Catherine looked up. The floating plank road of the circular corridor above had long since broken apart, but the murals, obscured by dragon's blood vines, and the star maps etched on the dome's inner walls, revealed their former splendor through the cracks of time. So, was the open roof meant to allow room for the sapling to grow?

"I've never seen this place before." Catherine used her magic broom to go back and forth to Gloria several times. This dome that opened like petals was so special, but she had never seen it in the air.

"The principal used some tricks." Phoebe rubbed her fingers playfully. "I heard that in the early years, the church never stopped craving it and always wanted to move it to the Temple of Light. A real magical dispute broke out over this."

Catherine turned her head in surprise. This had never been recorded in history books.

"Of course, the Vatican didn't gain any advantage back then, and the king completely sided with the Church. Since then, relations between the two sides have deteriorated, and High Court and Gloria are no longer allowed to be called twin cities. Although they later feared Gloria's strength and stopped asking for the little sacred tree, the headmaster set up a hidden barrier to prevent outsiders from observing it for its safety. You can probably guess where this place is, right?"

Catherine nodded. The architectural style of this place was very different from other places in Gloria. She had only seen this tall and elegant style built around trees in one other place, and that was the Forest of Elves.

In the early days of the Holy War, Goletia founded this school. Many elves volunteered to go north and supported most of the teaching staff of this magic academy. I guess this is the office and residence of the elf teachers.

"Don't underestimate its size. It's part of the sacred tree and contains powerful energy. Gloria's various magic circles have always relied on it. Now it should be able to help Canion survive until your parents arrive."

Phoebe turned around and touched Catherine's silver hair, speaking earnestly.

"You must not fall down before that, little Catherine." She could see the little witch's inner panic.

Catherine still stared blankly at Canion under the small tree.

Is he still alive?—Catherine did not even dare to ask Phoebe.

Something happened to Kanion right under her nose. She should have noticed it long ago, but she never asked Lariel the truth because she was eager to please and impress the naive elf, hoping to rely on him to gain more opportunities for herself in the Elf Forest.

If it weren't for this, she might have been more cautious. She was blinded by her own ambition and was too utilitarian, missing out on many details...

Catherine clutched the hem of her skirt, a huge panic threatening to overwhelm her as she thought of how sad her mother would be.

"It's getting late, you should go back and rest." It's not a good thing to indulge in bad mood. Phoebe forcefully pulled Catherine up and led her out.

The weathered and brittle floor tiles shattered when stepped on. Phoebe returned along the same path she had come, trying not to damage any more. Catherine obediently let Phoebe lead her outside, and followed Phoebe to carefully avoid the intact floor tiles.

The two of them walked out of this secret place together and headed towards the castle. It was not until they could see the moon's shadow cast on the Mirror Lake that Phoebe slapped her head.

"It's a full moon!" No wonder the moon is so bright tonight.

Phoebe turned and said goodbye to Catherine. "I'm going to go see Wolfe. You know, at times like this he always has some..."

"I understand." Catherine nodded. "Thank you for your hard work, Teacher Phoebe."

"Go to sleep sweetly! I will continue to help Canion water the plants tomorrow." Phoebe reminded him again, then left Catherine and quickly left.

The night in Gloria was no different from any other night. The lawn beside Mirror Lake was dotted with students sitting together, looking so peaceful and beautiful. Catherine stood in the distance and watched quietly for a while, then turned and walked back in the direction she came from.