Martial Arts Worlds

Chapter 145 Cursed Tree

"Interesting? What do you mean?"

Kiernan asked and sipped on his steaming hot coffee.

"I thought there was something strange about this island," Wren said. "The way everyone here is smiling like they're happy all the time."

"I mean, this place is very nice," Kiernan said. "I would be happy to live here. They also have the greatest security possible, the navy fortress right in their backyard."

"Yes, but something doesn't feel right," Wren said. "I haven't seen a single sour face since we arrived."

Kiernan looked around the cafe. Everyone was smiling. Now that he was thinking about it, it did seem quite creepy.

"I think it is the doings of that tree," Wren nudged her chin towards the x-marked tree. "I think it is a cursed tree."

"A cursed tree?" Kiernan raised an eyebrow. "What's that?"

"All cursed trees do different things. I think this one amplifies the happiness of everyone around it."

"That doesn't sound much like a curse," Kiernan said. "They're happy, so what?"

"The cursed trees give a fake sense of happiness. It's a trap." Wren said in a serious tone. "This happiness they're feeling is fake, and it always comes with a price."

"A price?"

"I think the emotion they're feeling changes from generation to generation. This generation will feel happy, but the next one will feel miserable enough to kill themselves."

"Well, shit..." Kiernan sighed and ran a hand through his hair. Find adventures on empire

"I checked a sign by the tree. It told the birth year of this beloved town of theirs," Wren said. "This one was built almost fifty years ago. In World Sea's years, the generation of people changes every fifty years."

"So, one day, a switch is flipped, and instead of feeling happy, everyone will feel miserable and start killing themselves. This island is just one year away from being extinct?"

"I am afraid so," Wren said and sipped on her drink. "I think I am glad it is a cursed tree, though. It means we don't feel bad for cutting it down. The effects of happiness will disappear, but at least they won't die next year.

"At least it isn't a spirit tree. Some islands completely die without the protection of spirit trees."

"Why aren't we affected by the tree?"

"I think it does. I am feeling unnaturally happy to be here, but to have stronger effects, I think we must be here longer under its influence."

"Now we know what to do; let's just wait a good moment," Kiernan said. "Go buy an axe. A strong one, please. Once I cut down the tree, we'll start running."

"Mmh~" Wren nodded and gracefully drank her coffee.

At that moment, Kiernan looked over Wren's shoulder and saw a person sitting a few tables away. He was wearing a navy cap over his eyes and had a navy soldier's shirt on with a blue neckerchief tied around his neck.

"That could've been you!"

'Well, that was me.'

Kiernan cleared his throat.

"I will be back soon, Dad. I haven't even seen Mom yet, and I am not leaving before seeing her."

"Forget her. If you haven't seen her yet, she might have left Nightingale, or she has died already. Either way, I want you to come back home. The next semester is around the corner, and Coach Jin has come for you a few times already.

"I think the school is already getting ready for next nationals. With you, I think they have really good chances for the championship."

"I know, and I will come back very soon, I promise."

Kiernan said, and then peeked towards the street; the navy soldier was walking in his way without any more hiding his intention of coming to him.

"I have to go now; see you later."

"Wait, Kier—"

Kiernan quickly disconnected the call, pocketed the phone, and crossed his arms.

The navy soldier arrived at the entrance of the alleyway and looked at Kiernan with a narrow gaze.

"Is something wrong, sir?" Kiernan asked.

"Don't I know you?" The navy soldier asked and pointed at him rudely.

"Maybe you tell me."

"I think I do~" The navy soldier grinned. "Your appearance is very distinct. You look different from other rugged-looking pirates, so it isn't too hard to recognize you!"

"So what now?" Kiernan playfully offered his hands in surrender. "Will you handcuff me?"

"Nah..." the navy soldier took off his cap and dropped it on the ground. "I will kill you."

"Oh, that's not very navy-like, is it?" Kiernan asked with a frown. "I am scared."

"I fucking hate you pirate filth," the navy soldier said in anger. "You're all playing with innocent human lives, and my parents already suffered in your hands. I've come to these waters to seek vengeance!"

"Well, bring it on, Mister Navy." Kiernan rolled his sleeves to his elbows. "I think you're a good test opponent for me."

The navy soldier just smirked. He knew that Kiernan was Martial Champion.

He, on the other hand, was battle-hardened Martial Master!