As they climbed, the three of them carefully used the gaps in the World Tree's rough bark to steadily make their way upward.
The wind blew down from above, carrying a faint woody fragrance that refreshed their spirits.
"Ang, if we come across more dead branches later, are you still going to collect them?" Dana asked as he climbed, his tone teasing.
The corner of Ang's mouth lifted as he replied without the slightest shame, "Of course! The World Tree is so huge. Helping it clear away dead branches is a good deed, and we can bring back a few gifts while we're at it. Isn't that killing two birds with one stone?"
Hearing that, Linya could not help rolling her eyes and scoffed. "Shameless."
Seeing her reaction, Ang smiled and continued, "Linya, once I find a suitable dead branch from the World Tree, I'll make you a bow tailored specifically for you. How about it?"
Linya curled her lip and poured cold water on him without hesitation. "World Tree branches are not so easily made into weapons."
"Wasn't the Elf race's heirloom weapon, the Eye of the Wind, made from a World Tree branch?" Ang said dismissively.
Linya's gaze shifted slightly at those words, but she immediately shook her head. "That is one of the Elf race's most closely guarded secrets. Even pure-blooded elves can hardly obtain it. What makes you think a human like you can imitate the Eye of the Wind?"
"Heh, don't underestimate me." Ang patted his chest and said with feigned confidence, "My head is full of strange ideas. What if I really manage to make a bow comparable to the Eye of the Wind?"
Linya snorted softly, the corners of her lips rising slightly. "Fine. Then I'll thank you in advance."
Dana, who had