World Seedling {Book One}

Noah picked up eleven more shards of the crystal, which had scattered in the aftermath of the crash. He glanced around, his eyes scanning the area for Nova, but she was nowhere in sight.

"Where did she go?" he wondered aloud, his voice barely more than a whisper. He reached for another shard, bringing his total to twelve. The crystals sparkled faintly in the fading light.

Sighing, Noah looked down the hill toward the crash site. The scene was chaotic and surreal. A massive crater dominated the area, its edges jagged and scorched. The crater glowed with an eerie luminescence, casting flickering white lights that danced across the debris field. Hundreds of crystal fragments lay scattered, their brilliance contrasting sharply with the darkened landscape.

The surrounding terrain was rough and barren, dotted with scattered rocks and patches of dry, cracked earth. Dust hung in the air, stirred by the constant activity below. The camp that had been hastily set up around the crash site was taking shape.

Noah observed tents being erected with practised efficiency. The tents were large and rugged, their dark green and brown fabrics blending with the environment. Nearby, trucks and military-style vehicles were parked in neat rows, their engines rumbling as they unloaded crates and supplies. The camp had a makeshift feel to it, but it was clear that considerable effort was being made to establish a permanent base. Equipment and tools were scattered around, and the ground was marked with tire tracks and footprints.

While crouched behind a boulder for cover, Noah overheard snippets of conversation drifting from the camp. Words like "the big boss" and "she’s mad" punctuated the air, accompanied by the occasional clatter of metal and the murmur of voices. The fragments of conversation hinted at internal tensions and a clear hierarchy within the group.

Noah continued to dig through the dirt with growing determination. As he scraped away the soil, he unearthed three more shards, their sharp edges catching the last rays of sunlight. The additional fragments brought him closer to his goal, but he knew he had to stay cautious. The presence of the camp and the armed individuals made every move a potential risk.

With a sense of urgency, Noah pocketed the new shards, preparing to return to his search. The crash site and its surroundings were a complex mix of danger and opportunity, and he needed to act quickly to complete his quest, also ensure his own safety.

Noah continued searching, making sure he remained hidden. The tension in the air was palpable with the camp below and the scattered crystal shards. Suddenly, he heard footsteps approaching from behind. He glanced back and saw only footprints in the dirt, but no visible figure.

“Nova?” he whispered urgently, hoping she was nearby.

“Shhh,” came her soft voice. Nova emerged from the shadows, standing close to the edge and peering toward the camp. Her sudden appearance made Noah flinch, and he quickly scanned the area to ensure they hadn’t been spotted.

“Crouch! Don’t stand up!” he hissed, his voice filled with panic.

Nova, noticing his concern, flashed a reassuring smile. “I’m using my Illusion Stone. Remember, I have it. I decided to use it to make myself somewhat invisible.”

Noah’s tension eased slightly as he saw Nova’s smirk. The Illusion Stone was a magical artifact capable of creating various illusions, which explained why he hadn’t noticed her before.

“How many crystals do you have?” he asked, cautiously standing up.

“Five,” Nova replied, her voice barely audible.

Noah nodded, feeling a mix of relief and urgency. With their combined total now at seventeen shards.

“I can see more on the edges of the hill, and also in the creator” she said peering down the edge.

Noah nodded. “Alright, here’s the plan. We need to assess the situation at the camp more thoroughly. We should map out the area and identify any patterns or routines of the people there. This will help us avoid detection and find any remaining crystals.”

Nova agreed. “Sounds good. I’ll go down since I can use my Illusion Stone to scout further and distract any guards if necessary. Meanwhile, you continue searching this area for more shards.”

Noah and Nova quickly outlined their strategy. And they split up to cover more ground. Noah would continue to search the immediate area for any additional crystal shards beneath or underneath the ground while Nova used her Illusion Stone to scout the camp and create diversions if needed while searching for crystals.

“We’ll come back here in half an hour,” Noah said, giving her his digit watch, the time currently ready at 3:04. “Keep an eye out for any signals or disturbances. And remember, we need a clear and safe route back. Once we’ve collected the remaining shards, we meet back here at 3:34.”

With their plan in place, Nova moved stealthily into the shadows, her form barely visible thanks to the Illusion Stone. Noah resumed his search, carefully navigating the terrain and collecting any visible shards while digging at patches of earth.

Noah continued his search, moving cautiously as he scanned the terrain for any sign of more crystal shards. His eyes fell upon an odd outcropping of rocks nearby. A slight hunch told him that there could be something hidden there.

As he approached, he noticed a small cave opening at the base of the rock formation. The entrance was partially concealed by brush and shadows, making it easy to miss from a distance. Curiosity piqued, he moved closer and was immediately hit by the distinct scent of fresh water drifting out from the cave.

“This could be dangerous,” he thought, his instincts warning him to stay alert. But he felt a strong pull to explore further, suspecting the cave might hold something important. He took a deep breath and decided to take the gamble, stepping cautiously into the damp, dark entrance.

Inside, the air was cool and moist, and the walls glistened with droplets of water. The faint sound of dripping echoed through the narrow passageway, hinting at a deeper water source ahead. Noah's eyes adjusted to the dim light, and he advanced slowly, each step careful and measured.

Noah advanced deeper into the cave, his steps echoing softly against the damp stone walls. The air grew cooler, and the darkness seemed to press in around him, but the faint glow of the crystal shards in his hand offered a small measure of comfort. The cave's atmosphere was heavy, almost suffocating, as if the walls themselves were alive, breathing in time with the earth.

He kept his movements slow and deliberate, mindful of the echo that followed each step.

Noah noticed a slight glimmer coming from up ahead. Rounding the corner cautiously, he stopped short, his breath catching in his throat. Before him was a towering wall of crystal shards, each one embedded in the rock and glowing faintly with a soft, inner light. The crystals shimmered with a mesmerizing array of colours, their surfaces flickering with tiny, dancing reflections.

His heart pounded with excitement. This was it—a jackpot of Starfall Crystal shards.

Wasting no time, he moved quickly but carefully, reaching out to pry the shards from the wall. Each one came loose with a satisfying crack, and he carefully tucked them into his inventory trying not to make too much noise. Some shards were smaller, barely larger than pebbles, while others were as long as his hand and just as wide.

The pile in his hands grew steadily, and he counted as he worked. "Twenty-seven... twenty-eight... twenty-nine..." His fingers brushed against the final cluster of shards, and he managed to extract a few more before stopping to check his total. "Thirty-two," he whispered to himself, unable to hide his grin.

With a total of 49 crystals now in his possession, Noah ventured deeper into the cave. His footsteps echoed softly, each step accompanied by a slight crunch of loose pebbles underfoot. The faint, almost ethereal glow of the crystals provided just enough light to navigate the increasingly narrow passage.

He paused for a moment, studying the cave walls closely. The crystal shards seemed to be embedded deep within the rock, as if they had grown organically out of the stone itself. They looked almost like veins of precious minerals, their jagged edges protruding from the wall at odd angles. The more he looked, the more he realized that the crystals seemed to pulse with a faint, rhythmic light, almost like a heartbeat.

"Why are there so many crystals here?" he wondered aloud, his voice barely a whisper. "It’s like they’re sprouting from the cave itself."

The air grew cooler the further he went, and a damp, earthy smell filled his nostrils. The deeper he ventured, the more the cave walls began to change. Strange markings appeared, carved into the rock in spirals and jagged lines, almost as if some ancient hand had etched them long ago. The light from the crystals danced across these markings, creating an eerie, shifting pattern of shadows.

Noah continued deeper into the cave, his torch flickering against the dark, damp stone walls. As he rounded a bend, he noticed a faint glimmer of light ahead, casting an ethereal glow on the cave’s interior. Intrigued, he moved cautiously toward the source.

As he approached, he saw that the light was coming from a large, partially hidden chamber. The walls of this cavern were covered in intricate cave paintings that shimmered with a soft, almost otherworldly light. The crystals embedded in the walls seemed to amplify the ambient light, illuminating the ancient artwork.

Noah stepped into the chamber, his eyes widening at the sight before him. The paintings depicted a series of scenes, painted with vibrant colors and elaborate details. They told a story spanning several epochs.

1. The Creation of the World Tree: The first panel showed a primordial landscape with a figure holding a seed, their hand surrounded by a green, radiant glow. As they planted the seed, the World Tree sprouted, its roots spreading across the earth. The scene was filled with symbols of life and growth, and the tree appeared majestic and radiant.

2. The Rise and Fall of Ancient Civilizations: Subsequent paintings depicted ancient civilizations worshipping the World Tree, using its power to build great cities and achieve remarkable feats. Scenes of prosperity and peace contrasted with images of conflict and decline, suggesting that the tree’s influence waxed and waned over time.

3. The Prophecy of Evolution: The third panel depicted a prophecy or vision of the World Tree undergoing a dramatic transformation. The tree was surrounded by glowing crystals, and there were mysterious symbols and runes suggesting a grand evolution or awakening. The artwork hinted that the World Tree’s next stage would unlock immense power and change the world in profound ways.

4. The Duality of Evolution: The final panel was divided into two contrasting scenes. One side depicted the World Tree glowing with an intense, fiery radiance as it grew higher and more magnificent than ever before. The other side showed a twisted, dark version of the World Tree, with dark, malevolent entities seeping out from its roots or sap. The contrast suggested that the evolution of the World Tree could lead to either extraordinary growth or a dangerous, corrupt transformation, depending on the circumstances or choices made.

Noah admired the detailed artwork on the walls of the cavern, each panel revealing crucial information about the World Tree and its significance. The vibrant scenes depicted the tree’s creation, its impact on ancient civilizations, and a prophecy of its evolution. Absorbed in the visible artwork, Noah's attention was focused entirely on the paintings at eye level, the torchlight casting a warm glow on the intricate details.

However, as Noah moved around the chamber, he failed to notice the cavern floor, which was partially obscured by the shadows cast by his torch. The dim light masked a hidden painting that lay low, covered by debris and blending into the darkened ground.

As Noah left the chamber, still contemplating the significance of the visible paintings, he remained unaware of the hidden artwork that hinted at a dire fate should the World Tree fall into darkness. This secret painting depicted a scene of grave importance: a figure standing before a dark, corrupted version of the World Tree, with twisted roots and ominous figures emerging from its base. Surrounding the figure were symbols of warning and destruction, suggesting that the World Tree’s corruption could lead to catastrophic consequences if not addressed.

-{Unknow POV}-

She watched the odd figure walk away, her keen senses picking up the faintest hint of mana emanating from him, almost as if it had a distinct smell. Her eyes, partially closing and opening as she shifted her focus, felt the remnants of old scales drying—she had just shed her old skin not long ago.

She followed him, keeping to the shadows as he navigated the rough stones, sometimes using his four feet, other times standing on two. Her tail twitched with a peculiar mix of anticipation and hunger—an unfamiliar sensation, but one she couldn't ignore.

When she was hatched, her siblings had been… how should she put it? Brainless. They had been wild and untamed, while she had always been different. She could sense the mana coursing through her body, making her acutely aware of the world around her.

Is this why he was here? Was he somehow connected to her?

She blinked, shaking her head as if to clear away the thoughts. It felt strange to have such reflections, especially when she was the only one of her kind capable of deep thought.

A soft huff of laughter escaped her lips. She found herself musing over the oddity of her situation, contemplating how interesting—and perhaps amusing—it was to be the only one with such awareness.

{Nova POV}

Nova kept a close eye on Noah for a moment, ensuring he was safely engaged in his task before she shifted her focus. She moved stealthily towards the camp, carefully navigating through the shadows to avoid detection. As she approached, the conversation among the camp members became clearer.

The camp was abuzz with activity, and most of the discussions revolved around the mysterious white shards. Nova edged closer, making sure her movements were silent and deliberate to avoid leaving any trace.

Reaching what she believed to be the central hub of the camp, she overheard a conversation that piqued her interest.

"Captain, we’re still setting up the location sensors, but they’re not working properly," a voice reported, tinged with frustration.

An older man, presumably the captain, nodded thoughtfully as he looked towards the crash site. "Very well," he said with a tone of authority. "Try to fix the problem as best as you can. Since we’re dealing with magic on levels we’ve never encountered before, it’s no surprise that most of our equipment isn’t functioning correctly."

Nova’s curiosity deepened. It was clear that the magic associated with the crystals or the world tree, was causing significant issues for their equipment. This information could be crucial for understanding their objectives and possibly finding weaknesses in their setup. She made a mental note to relay this information to Noah when they regrouped.

Nova continued to observe the camp's activities from her concealed position, her attention focused on the group of individuals gathered around a large, hovering map. The scene was intense, with various points marked and highlighted.

One of the men, likely a leader or strategist, pointed to several locations on the map. “We have sensors here,” he said, indicating a spot high up in the mountains. He then pointed to another location at ground level, somewhere in the town. The third point seemed to be underground, possibly a mine shaft or similar subterranean area.

“We’re planning to set up another nine sensors in the next month,” he added, indicating additional locations on the map.

“Good,” the older man, presumably the captain, responded with a nod of approval. “How are we progressing with the town so far? Have we identified any potential sources?”

The man examining the map shook his head. “No, sir. The sensors in the town have given some of the worst readings. We’re not sure what’s generating this much mana in such a short amount of time.”

The conversation provided Nova with valuable insights. The camp’s concern about the high levels of mana and their difficulties with monitoring it were evident. The fact that their sensors were failing to handle such intense mana levels indicated that the World Tree might be the source of the disturbance. Nova realized that the crystals could potentially exacerbate the issue even more, given their powerful and mysterious influence.

Nova checked her watch, noting she had 15 minutes left before her scheduled meeting with Noah. Determined to gather as much information as possible before rejoining him, she quietly slipped out of the room and made her way toward another makeshift tent.

As she approached, she noticed the tent was cluttered with tables and racks strewn with a large number of crystal shards. It appeared to be a central hub for processing or studying the crystals. Curiosity piqued, Nova cautiously entered the tent, keeping her presence as discreet as possible.

She observed several large containers filled with shards and various pieces of equipment that seemed to be used for analysing the crystals. On one of the tables, she spotted a stack of notes and documents.

Nova carefully picked up one of the notes and scanned its contents. The information was fragmented and technical, but it hinted at ongoing experiments and studies related to the crystals. There were references to the crystals’ unique properties and potential applications, including attempts to harness their mana for various purposes. One note mentioned a breakthrough in using the crystals' ability to amplify scanning equipment, with tests scheduled to start on the 25th. This could explain why the camp's sensors were struggling and their need to set up additional stations.

Realizing the significance of this information, Nova quickly grabbed a spare piece of paper, jotting down key points before setting the documents back in their place. She glanced at her watch again, noting the dwindling time. With this task complete, she knew she needed to gather what crystals she could before heading back to meet Noah.

Slipping out of the tent, Nova blended into the shadows once more, her movements stealthy and precise. She kept low, scanning the area for any sign of the crystals or potential threats. As she moved, she caught sight of a small cluster of crystals near the edge of the camp, partially hidden beneath some debris. Nova made her way over, careful not to attract attention, and quickly gathered the crystals, adding them to her collection.

With the crystals secured, Nova knew it was time to regroup with Noah. She moved swiftly but cautiously, navigating her way through the camp’s perimeter, her senses alert to any movement or noise.

Reaching the area she believed to be their meetup point, Nova scanned her surroundings, but Noah was nowhere in sight. She felt a flicker of concern, wondering what had happened to him. She began to look around, her eyes darting over the rocky terrain, trying to spot any sign of him. The only noticeable feature in the area was a rocky outcropping, a cluster of boulders that seemed to offer some cover.

Approaching the outcropping, she was just about to start her search when, suddenly, Noah's head popped out from behind a cluster of rocks. His unexpected appearance startled her, and she jumped back, nearly letting out a scream as her hand clutched at her racing heart.

“Oh, hey Nova,” he greeted casually, as if he hadn't just given her a near heart attack.

Nova took a deep breath, steadying herself as she glared at him. “Noah! You scared the life out of me!” she hissed, her voice low but sharp, more annoyed than truly angry.

Noah grinned sheepishly. “Sorry about that. Didn't mean to startle you,” he said, climbing out from behind the rocks. “I found a good spot to hide while I waited for you. Guess I overdid it a bit.”

Nova rolled her eyes but couldn't help a small smile. “You think?” she replied. “Anyway, I found something interesting back at the camp. Some notes about their plans and how they're trying to use the crystals. What about you?”

Noah's expression turned serious. “I found more crystals inside a cave nearby. And… there were some cave paintings. They might be important. But let's get somewhere safer first before we discuss the details.”

Nova nodded in agreement. “Yeah, let's move. The camp's more active than I expected. We don't want to stick around too long.”

Together, they began to make their way back to the car.

-{Unknow POV}-

She reached the edge of the cave, blinking against the fading light. The sun was still up, but the heat of the day was already slipping away, replaced by a cooling breeze that whispered through the rocky landscape. She hesitated, confused about why the strange being had been following the man-creature. Her eyes flicked back to her rocky home, not far behind. Her newly-shed scales still felt raw and sensitive against the hardened soil beneath her feet.

Her gaze returned to the man and his companion as they moved away. She crouched low, her four feet pressing against the ground as she crept closer, keeping her distance, following them silently. She paused for a moment, looking back at her cave—her safe, familiar home.

Should she follow? Or should she turn back and stay where it was safe and known?

Her thoughts swirled in uncertainty, but curiosity drove her forward. She decided to continue trailing the odd two-legged creatures, keeping to the shadows. She followed their path, slinking from rock to rock, until she noticed something shining up ahead. She slowed, watching as they approached the gleaming object and then... vanished.

Where did they go? She blinked, bewildered, and crept closer to investigate. As she neared the shiny thing, a sudden, deep rumble echoed from nearby. It was a sound she had never heard before—a low, growling noise that seemed to shake the very ground.

Fear clawed at her insides. Her tail flicked nervously, and without thinking, she darted beneath the shiny object, seeking refuge from whatever beast might be lurking nearby. She pressed herself against the cool surface, heart racing, eyes wide with both fear and wonder as she tried to make sense of what she had just witnessed.

Noah pulled the car into the driveway, letting the engine idle as he stared blankly through the windshield. The discoveries from the day weighed heavily on his mind, his thoughts a chaotic swirl of uncertainty and fear. Too much had happened, and far too quickly. Learning that others in the world knew about magic, actively searching for the same things he and Nova were, was almost too much to process.

His hands tightened around the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white as he gripped it with unconscious force. Questions flooded his mind, spiralling in every direction: Who were these people? What did they want with the crystals? Were they allies, or a new threat lurking in the shadows? What did their presence mean for him and Nova, and for the World Tree?

Images flashed in his mind—fragments of the camp they'd just infiltrated, the enigmatic figures discussing the crystals, the ancient paintings hidden in the cave, and the warnings about the World Tree’s future. His thoughts tangled together, an intricate web of doubts and half-formed plans. He felt a sharp pang of frustration—he hated not knowing, hated feeling like he was always one step behind in a race he didn’t fully understand.

Noah forced himself to take a deep breath, trying to steady the anxious energy thrumming in his veins, but his heartbeat continued to thud heavily in his chest. He hated this feeling—the gnawing uncertainty, the dread of what might come next. His gaze drifted toward Nova, who was sitting beside him, her eyes filled with concern.

"You okay?" she asked gently, her voice cutting through the silence.

He sighed, his grip on the wheel loosening as he leaned back against the seat. "I don’t know… It’s just a lot to take in. I always thought magic was something secret, hidden away. But now…"

Nova nodded, her expression softening in understanding. “It’s overwhelming,” she admitted.

Noah managed a small, tired smile, but his mind remained restless, racing ahead to all the possibilities, all the threats. "Yeah… I just didn’t expect this. The idea that there are others out there, that they're looking for the same things… it makes me wonder how much we really know, how much we've been missing.”

He finally turned off the engine, and the sudden silence was almost deafening, wrapping around them like a thick blanket. "I think we need a plan, Nova," he continued, his voice more resolved. "We can’t just react to everything that happens. We need to be prepared. We need to think ahead."

Nova reached over, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Her touch was light but steady, anchoring him in the moment. "We’ll figure it out, Noah,” she said with quiet confidence.

He nodded, feeling a flicker of gratitude for her presence, for the calm she brought. "Yeah," he echoed, determination slowly building within him. "We will."

He let out a long sigh, feeling both the exhaustion of the day's events and a growing sense of resolve. "Let’s head inside and go over everything we discovered today, in detail," he suggested, opening the car door with renewed purpose.

Nova nodded, stepping out into the cool evening air beside him. The sun had dipped below the horizon, leaving the sky painted in deep shades of purple and blue. Long shadows stretched across the driveway, and the weight of the day's revelations hung over them like a storm cloud, heavy with anticipation and unanswered questions.

As they walked up to the house, the gravel crunching under their feet, Noah felt a renewed urgency pulsing through him. "We need to piece it all together—every bit of information," he continued, his voice firm. “We can't afford any more surprises.”

They entered the house, and Noah immediately moved to clear the counter space, pushing aside anything that wasn’t meant to be on the kitchen counter to make room. He grabbed a notepad and pen, ready to jot down their thoughts. "Okay," he said, looking at Nova as she sat down, on one of the chairs. "Let’s start with the camp. What did you hear, and what did you find out?"

Nova sat across from him, her eyes focused. “Well, for starters, they're definitely aware of the mana spikes. They were talking about sensors malfunctioning because of the high levels, and it seems like they’re trying to pinpoint the source. They're setting up multiple locations to track it— but the ones already set up, one in the mountains, another underground somewhere, and a third in town maybe nearby the town hall.”

Noah continued to scribble down notes, his brow furrowed in concentration as he absorbed the details Nova was sharing. "So, they're mapping it out... trying to pinpoint where the magic is coming from. Makes sense," he murmured, more to himself than to Nova. "And what about the crystals?"

Nova hesitated for a moment, organising her thoughts. "They’re experimenting with them. I found some notes that mentioned using the crystals to amplify their scanning equipment. They know the crystals are powerful, but it seems like they’re still in the dark about what they can really do."

"That's good," Noah said thoughtfully. "It means we might still have the advantage." He paused, his mind racing ahead to what this could mean. "But we need to move quickly. If they get ahead of us, they could end up controlling whatever happens with the World Tree."

"Not possible," Nova interjected her voice firm, causing him to pause mid-thought.

He looked up at her, confusion evident on his face. "What do you mean, 'not possible'?"

"Only the World Guardians can control the World Tree," she explained calmly. "They’re the only ones who can influence its growth or decide its path. And since you are the Guardian of the tree, they would need you to even attempt to control it."

Noah blinked, trying to wrap his mind around the idea. "So, they can't just take over the World Tree by themselves?"

"Exactly," Nova replied, her eyes steady on his. "Without you, they can't directly influence the tree. But that doesn't mean they won't try to find another way. They might try to manipulate or use you to get what they want."

Noah sighed, thinking about the implications. His jaw set with determination. "Simple," he said with resolve. "They can't find out about me or the connection I have to the World Seed. As long as that stays hidden, we stay one step ahead of them."

Nova nodded in agreement, though her expression remained tense. "We'll have to be careful. They’re already searching for something, and if they catch even the smallest hint of your connection, they won't stop until they find you."

He met her gaze, feeling a solid resolve building within him. "Then we'll make sure they don’t find out. We protect the World Tree, and we keep our secret safe."

Noah shifted gears, trying to focus on the practical next steps. "So," he asked, glancing over at Nova, "how many shards did you end up finding?"

A small smile tugged at her lips. "Thirteen," she answered, holding up her fingers as if counting them off. "Not as many as you, but I’d say it’s a pretty decent haul."

Noah nodded, visibly impressed. “That’s great. With what I found, that brings us up to sixty-two shards in total.”

Nova's eyes widened slightly. “Sixty-two? That’s more than halfway to what you need for the quest.”

“Yeah,” Noah said, a hint of excitement creeping into his voice. “We’re getting closer.”

He counted the shards again, then looked at Nova with a thoughtful expression. “Hey, I found something interesting in the cave earlier,” he began, drawing her attention.

Nova raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. “Oh? What did you find?”

“There were these paintings on the walls,” Noah explained. “They seemed to tell a story about the World Tree. The first one depicted its creation—someone planting a seed that grew into the World Tree itself.”

Nova's eyes widened in interest. “A story about the World Tree? That’s rare. What else did you see?”

“The next painting showed ancient civilizations worshipping the tree,” Noah continued. “They used its power to build great cities, but there were also scenes of decline—like the civilizations couldn’t handle the power, or something went wrong.”

Nova nodded, absorbing the details. “That fits with some of what I’ve heard. The World Tree’s power has always been a double-edged sword. What else was there?”

Noah hesitated for a moment. “There was a third panel… it depicted what looked like a prophecy. The World Tree undergoing a dramatic transformation, surrounded by those crystals—Starfall Crystals. There were symbols that seemed to hint at some kind of evolution or awakening.”

Nova's expression grew more serious. “That sounds like what we’re hoping for… an evolution that could change everything.”

Noah took a deep breath. "But there was one more painting," he said quietly. "It was broken into two parts. One side showed the World Tree glowing like fire, growing taller and stronger. But the other side… it depicted a twisted, dark version of the tree, with dark beings emerging from its roots."

Nova's face grew sombre as she processed this information. “A warning… if the tree falls into darkness, it could unleash something dangerous,” she murmured.

Noah nodded, letting the gravity of the revelation settle between them. They sat in silence for a while, both lost in their thoughts, contemplating the implications of the hidden messages and the potential dangers ahead.

After a few moments of silence, Nova broke the stillness with a sudden question. "Are you working tomorrow?"

Noah looked up, slightly startled by the abruptness. "Actually, no," he replied. "I took some time off to focus on this. Why do you ask?"

Nova’s eyes met his, and a faint smile tugged at her lips. “I was thinking we might need to do more exploring tomorrow—maybe gather more shards or investigate that prophecy further. It seems like things are moving quickly.”

Noah nodded, his mind already spinning with possibilities. “That sounds like a solid plan. We need to stay ahead of whatever those other people are doing.”

He paused, glancing at the clock on the wall. “It’s getting late. Maybe we should rest and be ready for tomorrow. We’ve got a lot to prepare for.”

Nova agreed, stretching her arms above her head. “Yeah, we’ll need all the energy we can get. I’ll head to bed soon.”

As they both stood up, Noah turned to her, sincerity in his voice. “Thanks for your help today, Nova.”

“Thank you for having me,” she replied with a smile, walking into the spare room and gently closing the door behind her.

Noah exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of the day’s events. He made his way to the kitchen, opened the fridge, and grabbed a beer. With the bottle in hand, he walked over to the couch and sat down, his eyes drawn to the window. The World Tree’s faint glow was just visible in the distance, a reminder of the enormity of what lay ahead.

Deciding to check on his resources, Noah opened the store menu and navigated to the sell button. He highlighted all the empty bottles scattered on the coffee table—about ten in total—and sold them, earning ten points. This brought his total to 85 points in the store.

He leaned back on the couch, the beer resting loosely in his hand, and closed his eyes, letting the quiet of the house wash over him. The exhaustion of the day began to take its toll, and he found himself drifting into a light sleep.

“Noah,” a voice called softly, pulling him out of his half-sleep.

“Noah, wake up,” the voice insisted, and he groaned softly as he forced his eyes open, the remnants of sleep still clouding his vision.

Blinking to clear his sight, Noah saw Nova standing in the doorway, her expression tinged with concern. “Sorry to wake you,” she said, her tone firm yet gentle. “But I think I saw something… outside.”

Noah sat up, instantly alert, setting the beer down on the table. “What do you mean, something?” he asked, his voice low but steady.

Nova nodded toward the window. “I don’t know exactly, but I heard some strange noises.”

Noah moved to the window, pulling back the curtain just enough to peer outside. The night was calm, bathed in the soft silver light of the moon, but an uneasy tension hung in the air. He couldn’t see anything unusual, but he trusted Nova’s instincts.

“Stay here,” he whispered, retrieving a flashlight from a nearby drawer. “I’ll go check it out.”

Nova shook her head, her resolve clear. “I’m coming with you. If there’s something out there, it might have to do with the crystals—or worse, the World Tree.”

Noah hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Alright. Let’s be careful.”

They moved quietly toward the back door, with Noah leading the way. The cool night air greeted them as they stepped outside, the stillness of the night amplifying the faint tension surrounding them. They exchanged a quick, understanding glance, both keenly aware of the potential danger.

They crept along the side of the house, moving in the direction Nova had indicated. The only sounds were their soft footsteps on the gravel and the occasional rustling of leaves in the breeze.

Noah paused, listening carefully. “It’s probably just a lizard,” he said lightly, trying to sound unconcerned, though his eyes remained fixed on the dark undergrowth.

Nova raised an eyebrow, not entirely convinced. “A lizard making that much noise?” she whispered back, her senses on high alert.

The silence stretched on, thick and almost suffocating. Noah kept his eyes on the spot where the sound had come from, his grip on the flashlight growing firmer. Nova's gaze darted around, scanning the shadows for any movement.

Another rustling noise came from deeper within the bushes, this time softer but more deliberate, like something—or someone—was carefully maneuvering through the undergrowth. Nova leaned closer to Noah, her voice barely more than a whisper. "Maybe we should check it out," she suggested, her hand resting on the hilt of her knife.

Noah nodded, his expression serious. “Stay behind me,” he said quietly, taking a cautious step toward the sound. He raised the flashlight, its beam slicing through the darkness, illuminating branches and leaves, but revealing nothing immediately threatening.

They moved slowly, step by step, inching closer to the source of the noise. The air felt charged, every sound amplified in the stillness of the night. They could hear their own breaths, shallow and measured, and the steady pounding of their hearts.

Another rustle, this time closer. Whatever it was, it was still there. “Ready?” Noah whispered, glancing back at Nova, his eyes reflecting a mix of determination and caution.

The rustling in the bushes grew louder, and suddenly, a sleek, dark figure darted from the shadows, weaving quickly between rocks and tree roots. Noah swung the flashlight toward the movement, the beam catching a glimpse of a slender, scaled creature.

“It’s probably just a lizard,” he whispered again, but his heart was beating faster than he wanted to admit.

Nova squinted into the darkness. "That’s no ordinary lizard… Look at the size of it."

They watched as the skink, with its glossy, banded scales, froze for a moment, its bright eyes reflecting the light back at them before it darted away again, moving with surprising speed and agility, almost disappearing into the rocky terrain ahead.

"An Arnhem Land Gorges Skink," Noah murmured, recognizing it from his local wildlife studies. "They’re very rare around here… I wonder why it's so far away from its normal habitat."

"Did you say skink?" Nova asked, keeping her gaze fixed on the lizard. The skink paused again, its head tilted slightly, almost as if it were listening to their conversation. "Maybe it was drawn here by the World Tree, with the mana it's releasing. That could've attracted it."

Noah nodded slowly, still watching the creature as it slipped behind a cluster of rocks. He took a cautious step forward, peering into the darkness where the skink had disappeared. "Let’s leave it alone and head back inside."

Nova agreed, her hand instinctively moving closer to her side. "You’ve never seen a lizard before?" she teased lightly.

Noah chuckled, shaking his head. "Not one like this, anyway. And certainly not one acting so… interested in us." He turned back toward the house, feeling a strange tension lifting slightly. "Come on, let's not give it a reason to stay any longer than it needs to."

They made their way back toward the house, both of them glancing back now and then, half-expecting the skink to reappear.

Noah closed the door behind them as they stepped inside the house. Nova yawned, exhaustion clear in her movements. "Go get some rest. I'll see you in a few hours," he said, flipping off the light switch.

Nova mumbled a soft goodnight and headed to the spare room, the door clicking shut behind her.

Entering his own room, Noah felt his body grow heavy with fatigue. He collapsed onto the bed, groaning softly as he closed his eyes, letting sleep consume him once more. The events of the day seemed to swirl in his mind like a distant echo, but soon, the comforting darkness of sleep pulled him under.