According to the intel from the Summoners' Hall...

...there are supposedly a bunch of paths that can take us to the Great Tree of Life, but...

...the only ones we're currently aware of are...

...a path following the river, and another within the forest.

Apparently, if we take any other routes we will get lost in the woods halfway there, and we'll never be able to reach the Great Tree.

Looks like the bothersome work of that sorcerer who hid the treasure.

Well, I'm just glad I don't have to be stuck with you the whole time.

What's with the confused face?!

There are two paths, aren't there?!

It's obvious we'll split up and go our separate ways!

Seriously, your stupidity knows no bounds, does it?

Anyway, I'll follow the river to get there.

Hans, you go through the forest.

Since you're such a savage, you should feel right at home there.

Also, it looks like the dogs from the Randall Empire are after the same treasure too.

Pay attention, will ya!

That means we have to get this done before they show up to ruin everything!

So may the gods help you if I find you slacking off!!

Now get going!

Hans！

We're finally connected.

I'm Lin Merylham from Logistics Support...

...Grand Gaia Survey Office Bureau of Investigation at your service.

Hans, you have received a direct request from the superiors at Summoners' Hall!

So please listen carefully!

Since I'm sure that if you complete this request your reputation at the Hall would skyrocket!

So, wait...

.....................

What?

You're already in the area?

Lugina went to fetch you?

.....................

I-I'm so very sorry!!

I contacted you too late, didn't I?

Oh! No, please disregard that!

I'm just talking to myself!!

W-Well, I shall once again fill you in regarding the details of your mission.

I understand that you've heard the abridged version from Lugina already, but...

...just as he explained, keep going through the forest path...

...and head towards the Great Tree of Life in the heart of the region.

What could be waiting there?

Or, is there anything at all?

After you've received the answer to either one of those questions, if there is an item there after all...

...your task is to retrieve it.

Oh, also, I'll be here to support you at all times with anything you may need!

Hans, thank you so much for taking on this mission. You'll be a big help.

Just between you and me, there aren't many Summoners out there...

...who are willing to work together with Lugina.

Huh? You say you were appointed as Lugina's subordinate?

Umm, I've heard absolutely nothing of the sort...

E-Either way, let's hurry.

Lugina might get upset if you arrive late.

So this is the entrance to the path that leads to the Great Tree of Life...

It feels a little lonely here.

He he. Well, it's probably so desolate...

...because nobody else really knows about this path to the Tree.

...The rumored treasure of the empress.

Even though her country was in the brink of ruin...

...after her coronation, she somehow managed to rebuild it in a matter of years.

If she used the power of the gods to revive her country...

...this rumored treasure...

...could possibly hold divine powers as well.

This doesn't really pertain to my current mission, but looking into it further might prove of some value later on.

Huh?!

Is someone there?!

.....................

N-Nothing's happening...is it?

It looks like I'll have to be more careful from this point forward...

Whoa!　What was that?!

Rocks started falling out of the sky all of the sudden!

Could this be one of the sorcerer's traps?!

Tsch, how dumb. If it hadn't been me, someone could've gotten really hurt.

Heh. Somehow I get the feeling that getting to that treasure won't be so easy.

Hans better buckle up.