Defying Immortality: I Am but a Mortal

“What is an immortal root?” a boy asked, tilting his head with a look of curiosity.

“What do you think? What is the root of an immortal?” The immortal stroked his beard, putting on a mysterious air.

The boy shook his head and gazed at the immortal, blinking.

The immortal smiled faintly. “An immortal is still a person. In the end, the root is human!”

“Do you understand?” The immortal held out a finger and tapped the boy on the forehead.

The boy nodded as if he had grasped something, then shook his head.

The immortal burst out laughing. “It doesn't matter if you don't understand. Once you've heard this story, you'll get it!”