Stratum 20: Giant Tree 20F

The way forward is open, but...it looks like this passage is headed in a different direction.

Hmm, so it does. Looks like it's turning outward from the tree.

I wonder why.

I'm sure we'll see once we get there.

？！

These platforms extending from the trunk have plenty of room, and they're very stable, too.

It doesn't seem like we should have any trouble making progress...but we can't discount the possibility of sudden gusts, either.

So please be careful to stay away from the edges, Master.

？！

More importantly, what are those?

They look like makeshift homes built up in the trees. Are... Could these be the "tree houses" I've heard rumors of?

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(Why is he so happy about this? Living up so high would be extremely impractical, not to mention dangerous.)

(Are boys just...drawn to danger? I don't know what we're going to do with him.)

(I guess this Master is a bit of a tomboy...)

These tree houses appear to be brand-new. I don't see any wear, tear, or other sign of weathering.

Some of them even seem to have been carved directly out of the tree itself, not just assembled from planks.

And then there are those beautiful statues carved into the tree trunks there.

That must mean

Thank you for the kind words.

Galatea! I knew it!

Who's that?

I recognize that smell. The scent of a goddess. The same sickly sweet smell as Aphrodite...

Oh, yes. I was just a statue sculpted by King Pygmalion until Lady Aphrodite's blessing turned me human.

I'm Galatea of Cyprus.

Aphrodite's blessing, huh? Even then, that scent seems unusually strong.

???

...Oh well. You don't seem to be aware of it yourself, so I'll let it go.

Did you make all these, Galatea? The statues I can understand, but did you build the tree houses, too?

Affirmative. Their individual artistic value may be low, but I believe they work as a study in environmental harmony.

I also tried to ensure they had real practical value.

A house isn't a house unless you can live in it, and for my theme to make sense, they had to be real houses.

Fortunately, at some point, people began living in a handful of these houses even without me soliciting inhabitants. It was quite the surprise.

Mmm. Hmm?

Hey, it's Master! Come on in and join me for a drink!

？！

Man, this place is great.

You get a great view from this height, and it's so small that you don't have to worry about watching your back.

It kind of feels like a private tavern. No wonder the wine goes down so easy here.

I thought my neighbor was going to keep me company, but he drank himself into a stupor a while ago. Boooring.

(Zzz... Snooore...) An emperor? So what? I coulda killed an emperor if I wanted... (Zzz...)

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U-um, at any rate, I can see these tree houses would be perfectly suitable as homes.

Some of them are still vacant.

If you'd like to rest in one, I'd be happy to show you the way.

We'll remember this place for a future rest spot, but right now, we've got other things we have to do.

I see. So you're saying you'd like to see my wood carving masterpieces? I'm honored.

Please, follow me.

I was inspired to try this new, more dynamic method of carving directly into the tree trunk from the rock-cut temples from the East.

I chose Lady Aphrodite as a subject because I am already familiar with her.

Next, I

Um... Can I say something, Galatea?

Yes, of course.

When I said we have other things we have to do, I meant finding a path forward.

Do you know of a path in this area? One we could take to get higher up the tree?

According to my estimations, there should be another route here that leads back inside the tree.

Oh. I see.

Strictly speaking, I should say I don't know, since I've never gone past this point.

However, I think that hollow there may lead back into and further up the tree, but I can't be certain.

Oho. A hollow, you say? Where is this hollow?

Well... Um...

I kind of...forgot?

... ...

... ...

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...I suppose you're right.

I see how it is. Instead of a different version of me...

...you're trying to slow us down here, even though you and I share no connection whatsoever.

I guess the jig is up.

Certain circumstances require that I take up a bit of your time.

At the very least, I can't yet tell you where to find the way forward.

Hmm. Well, I've at least got a pretty good idea.

If we can't see this hollow, it stands to reason it's hidden somewhere.

And if I had to guess, I'd bet you built these tree houses to hide it.

Though I'm not sure whether it's just sitting right inside one of them or if you took the trouble to cover it up too.

...I cannot say.

I am. Just a statue. I do not. Know anything.

？！

So it didn't work, huh? Too bad.

Anyway, now that we know what's going on, our next step is obvious.

We just have to check inside all these tree houses. In fact, maybe it'd be faster to just smash them.

What was that!?

No! No way! No way in HELL am I letting anyone take my private bar from me!

I'll fight you!

Hey, neighbor, wake up! Someone's trying to take away our paradise!

Huh? What is it?

I was just taking a little nap! I can still drink plenty! Bring on the booze! Keep it coming!

Urp.

I can't stand by and let you destroy my work. I will attempt to stop you.

Activate Aphrodite Unit.

An Aphrodite Mystic Code? Hmph. Not a fan.

This is very dangerous, so I'd appreciate it if you could refrain from any destructive behavior and wait for my newest work to be completed.

If you have any requests, I can even sculpt a statue of your choosing.

Now please sit back, relax, and enjoy the sound of my chisel...

Bleeeaaah!!! Aw, crap. Guess I'm done for today...

Ahaha, that was fun! In fact, I feel so good I think I'll have another! (Glug, glug, glug)

This is far as I can go. I guess there's nothing more I can do.

I know you all understand and appreciate the value of art, so I believe you will not destroy my work if I stand down peacefully.

Absolutely not! I swear on my honor as one of the greatest artistic geniuses of all time! All we ask is that you let us use this place as a rest spot!

That's perfectly fine with me. All I ask in return is that you help with maintenance.

As for the way back inside the tree, you'll find the entrance inside the house Lord Izo has occupied.

I marked the secret door with a small inscription, so I'm sure you'll have no problem finding it.

Hold it.

You were trying to slow us down just like my other selves, which means you must've been in the same position as them.

What's your connection to the mes who aren't quite me?

I'm guessing it's not just that we all know Aphrodite.

Lady Aphrodite has nothing whatsoever to do with this. It is simply my...our

...Hmm. How can I put this?

I did it because our interests aligned and to show off my skills. This was a chance I couldn't pass up. Furthermore, I did it because she wants this.

I suppose it all boils down to a testament to friendship?

("She"? "Friendship"?)

(No... I feel like I'm on the verge of seeing the connection.)

(I think there's something I need to remember. But right now, it's just a feeling.)

(What could it be, though...?)