World Seedling {Book One}

The sound of the dragon’s wings faded into the distance, leaving an eerie, unsettling silence in its wake. The once chaotic chamber, filled with the echoes of battle and tremors of collapsing rock, now felt hollow. All three women stood frozen, their eyes locked on the gaping hole above where Noah and the dragon had vanished. The tension between them was thick, their unspoken fears hanging in the air.

Jade swallowed hard, her throat dry. Her heart pounded relentlessly in her chest, the tremors from earlier still reverberating through her bones. Her hands trembled despite her best effort to steady them, betraying the turmoil she felt deep inside. Her mind raced, replaying every moment—Noah’s strained whispers, the way the roots had tightened around him, how helpless she had felt. She kept her gaze fixed on the ceiling as if staring hard enough might somehow bring him back.

“We have to follow them,” Jade said, breaking the suffocating silence. Her voice was firm, but there was an undeniable fragility beneath it, like glass on the verge of shattering. The weight of her words, heavy with desperation, hung in the air. She clenched her fists, trying to stop the shaking, willing herself to focus. “If Noah’s hurt or in danger, we can’t leave him alone with that thing.”

Nova blinked, pulling herself out of her own daze. She had been lost in thought, grappling with what they had just witnessed, but Jade’s urgency snapped her back to reality. “You’re right,” Nova muttered, her voice quieter than usual. There was a rawness there, an edge of guilt she wasn’t willing to admit just yet. “There’s no time to waste. We need to find another way up to wherever that tunnel leads, fast.”

Claire, however, wasn’t as quick to jump into action. Her face twisted with frustration, her emotions bubbling dangerously close to the surface. “But how?” she demanded, her voice cracking slightly as fear and anger mingled in her chest. “We don’t even know how deep this mine goes, or where it leads! We could wander for hours and never find an exit.” She kicked a loose stone in frustration, her eyes scanning the chamber for something—anything—that could give them an advantage.

Nova, trying to calm her own racing thoughts, glanced at the roots snaking across the walls. They pulsed faintly, like the heartbeat of some ancient creature slumbering deep below the earth. Her brow furrowed in concentration. “I think the roots are connected to Noah… and the World Tree. They can lead us to him, but…” Her words trailed off as uncertainty gnawed at her. “We’ll have to be careful. The roots are unpredictable right now. Too much mana is flooding through them, and that could mean they might turn hostile again at any moment.”

Jade spun toward Nova, her frustration evident. “You know what that thing is, don’t you?” There was an accusatory tone to her words, sharp and cutting. She had seen the way Nova had reacted when the dragon appeared, the way her eyes had widened with something more than just shock. “You’ve been acting strange ever since we ran into you. What aren’t you telling us?”

Nova opened her mouth to respond, but Claire cut her off, stepping closer, her voice trembling with barely contained anger. “No, Jade’s right. You’ve been keeping things from us, and we need answers now. My brother is up there, and we don’t have time for your half-truths. If you know something—anything—we deserve to know.”

Nova’s lips tightened into a thin line, frustration and guilt warring inside her. She knew they had a right to demand answers, but every second they wasted was another second that Noah was in danger. She exhaled sharply, her shoulders sagging under the weight of the situation. “It’s… it’s too much to explain in one go,” she admitted, running a hand through her tangled hair. “But I’m not hiding anything on purpose. It’s complicated.”

“Try,” Claire said, her tone firm, leaving no room for argument.

Nova let out a heavy sigh, clearly agitated but knowing she couldn’t avoid it any longer. She walked toward the roots and placed a hand on them, her fingers brushing over their strange, pulsing surface. “Can you help us?” she whispered, almost like a prayer. The roots twitched in response, glowing a steady green, confirming her request.

Suddenly, the ground beneath them shuddered, and three thick green roots shot up from the floor, wrapping around their bodies with startling speed. A startled yelp escaped Jade’s lips as they were lifted into the air, the sensation of being weightless both terrifying and disorienting. The roots moved swiftly, carrying them toward the tunnel high above where Noah had disappeared.

“What’s happening?” Jade shouted, her voice laced with panic as they ascended rapidly, the cold air rushing past them.

As they were carefully deposited at the entrance of a narrow passage, the roots released them and receded back into the ground, leaving the three women standing in stunned silence.

Jade collapsed to her knees, gasping for breath, her heart still pounding wildly in her chest. “What… what the hell is going on?” she muttered, her voice trembling as she buried her face in her hands, trying to steady her racing thoughts.

Claire, however, remained standing, her arms crossed tightly over her chest as she glared at Nova, her expression hard. “Nova, you need to explain. Now. I know Noah’s in danger, but you owe us the truth. What is happening? What are we up against? And how did you know that was a dragon?”

Nova’s frustration was evident as she groaned softly, rubbing her temples as if trying to ward off a headache. “We don’t have time for this, Claire,” she muttered, but the look in Claire’s eyes told her there would be no moving forward until she spoke. With a reluctant sigh, she gave in. “Fine. What do you want to know?”

“Everything,” Claire demanded, her voice firm and unyielding. “We’re not going anywhere until we understand what’s going on.”

Nova looked between the two women, her eyes darting nervously toward the tunnel ahead. “Alright, but we have to keep moving while I explain. That dragon has a head start, and every second we waste is another second Noah might be in more danger.”

Claire didn’t budge. “No. We sit, we talk, and then we move. We need to know what we’re dealing with, Nova. We’re not asking—we’re telling you.”

Nova groaned again, her frustration bubbling over, but she knew Claire wouldn’t relent. “Fine,” she snapped, throwing her hands up in defeat. “But this is a lot bigger than you think.”

Nova paced back and forth, the tension in her body barely contained as she rubbed her temples in frustration. Claire sat down on a nearby rock, her eyes never leaving Nova, waiting for an explanation. Jade, still trembling from the ordeal, leaned against the wall, trying to catch her breath.

Nova finally stopped pacing, her gaze flickering between the two of them. “Alright,” she began, her voice tight with impatience. “What do you know of the World Tree?” she asked, her eyes scanning both Claire and Jade, waiting for their response.

Claire frowned, her mind sifting through fragments of old mythology, trying to recall what little she knew. “You mean like in Norse mythology? Yggdrasil, right? Not much… but the myth says it was a massive tree that connected all the nine worlds together, keeping everything in balance.”

Nova gave a small, tight nod, but her eyes glinted with a mixture of familiarity and something deeper. A faint smile flickered across her lips, tinged with a sense of urgency. “Yes, but where I’m from, the World Trees are more than just ancient myths whispered through the ages. They’re not simply connections between realms; they’re alive—conduits of mana and life itself, binding everything together. They regulate energy, magic, and the growth of all living things. They are the core of balance. But right now… the one here is struggling, and it’s losing control.”

Claire's brow furrowed, trying to grasp the enormity of what Nova was saying. "So what does that have to do with Noah? Why is he involved?"

Nova’s expression darkened as her voice dropped, her tone loaded with unspoken weight. “Everything,” she began slowly. “The World Tree isn’t just a passive force, silently existing. It’s constantly connected to the ley lines that run deep under the earth, pulling mana, pushing energy through this world’s veins. But something is wrong. This world—your world—was never meant to handle the sheer power of World Crystals. The Tree, desperate to stabilize itself, had no choice but to use Noah as a conduit, forcing him to absorb and channel that energy.”

The tension in the room thickened, and Jade shifted uneasily, her own anxiety bubbling up. “But why Noah? Why him specifically?” Her voice quivered, reflecting her confusion and fear.

“The tree seeks balance, Jade,” Nova replied, pacing as she explained. “Noah told me it all started when a meteor shower hit. He said, ‘It was just pure chance when that meteor crashed into me that night.’ You see, the World Trees don’t randomly choose their guardians. Each one contributes something essential to the system, something that helps maintain universal balance. If a World Tree dies, parts of the system—magic, energy, life itself—are at risk of vanishing.”

Nova paused, her face shadowed with the weight of an unspoken truth. The World Seed, its arrival... there had been no warning, no signs. It was as though this seed had been forgotten by the universe itself, or perhaps… it had come from somewhere disconnected, lost.

“And the dragon?” Jade asked, her voice barely above a whisper, as if speaking too loudly would make the danger more real. “Why did it take Noah?”

Nova’s eyes clouded as she thought carefully, her mind racing through everything she had learned. “Your world,” she began, “is still young, especially in its magical evolution. The surge of mana from the World Crystals created a massive ripple, triggering transformations in the ecosystem. I believe that the lizard we saw—innocuous at first—underwent an accelerated form of evolution. That’s why we saw a dragon. What started as a normal creature… became something ancient and powerful, something tied to Noah.”

Claire’s face twisted in disbelief, her scepticism rising like a wall. “Wait, you’re telling me a normal lizard somehow turned into a dragon? Just like that?”

Nova met Claire’s gaze, her voice steady but serious. “Yes. And you’ve felt it too, haven’t you? The strange pressure in the air when we were down in the tunnels? That was mana. The energy surging through Noah—the coloured lights you saw swirling around him—that was raw elemental mana, a force that’s both terrifying and awe-inspiring. It’s all connected.”

With a heavy sigh, Nova sat down on the cold, unforgiving stone, her posture slumping under the weight of their situation. She rubbed her temples as if trying to ease the pressure building in her own mind. “I believe that dragon and Noah have formed some kind of bond. It’s not something I fully understand, but whatever it is… it runs deep. And it’s dangerous.”

Claire’s mind raced, trying to absorb the immensity of what Nova was saying. “So what exactly is this ‘system’ you keep mentioning?” she asked, folding her arms tightly across her chest as if holding herself together.

“The system,” Nova explained, her voice softening as she finally sat still, “is the structure that governs everything—magic, energy, life itself. Every world touched by a World Tree becomes part of this system. It controls mana flow, balances the power between worlds, and influences growth. But when that balance tips—like what’s happening now, with too much mana being drawn from the World Crystals—the World Tree has to find a way to release that energy. Sometimes, it upgrades itself magically, becoming stronger, and sometimes, it channels mana into the ley lines. But if it doesn’t find balance… the consequences are catastrophic.”

Claire’s face darkened with worry, her thoughts spiralling into dark possibilities. “And what happens if the World Tree can’t handle it?”

Nova’s voice became cold, sharp with an edge of finality. “If the tree remains overloaded for too long, it dies.”

Jade’s breath hitched in her throat as realization dawned on her, her voice trembling. “And Noah...?”

Nova’s gaze locked onto Jade’s, the gravity of the situation etched deeply in her expression. “Yes. If the World Tree dies, the world dies with it. But even worse… if the tree grows unchecked and reaches its peak, the world might end anyway. Its power would become too great, destabilizing everything.”

Claire’s eyes widened, horror and disbelief etched across her face. “What? So no matter what happens, the world is doomed?” Her voice cracked, the weight of Nova’s words sinking in like a cold, heavy stone.

Nova’s jaw clenched, her frustration visible as she spoke. “That’s why I didn’t want to get into this here. Noah was never given a real choice. The fate of this world is bound to the growth and survival of the World Tree. But that growth... it could mean the end of everything, even if it doesn’t die.”

A suffocating silence fell over them, the enormity of the truth pressing down like a suffocating weight. The air around them felt charged, the quiet hum of the roots growing louder in the stillness as if the world itself was listening to their conversation, waiting.

Claire broke the silence, her voice barely above a whisper, trembling with uncertainty. “But what about the roots earlier? When they burst from the walls... What caused that?”

Nova nodded, lost in thought for a moment. “The World Tree probably lost control. It was trying to manage the overwhelming surge of mana, but it couldn’t balance it. Too much energy flooded into its root system, and they lashed out, driven by the chaotic flow. That’s why they seemed to go berserk, breaking through the walls like that.”

They sat in silence once more, the weight of their predicament settling like a heavy fog, making it hard to breathe. The walls around them felt alive, as if they, too, were affected by the World Tree’s struggle. The faint glow of the roots pulsed rhythmically, mirroring the fragile heartbeat of the world itself.

Nova stood abruptly, her eyes lingering on the glowing roots still pulsing faintly in the walls. “We need to keep moving. If we’re going to find Noah and stop this before it’s too late.”

Just as they were about to move, a soft buzzing sound filled the air. Nova paused, her eyes narrowing in confusion as she reached into her pouch. Her hand closed around something familiar—the communication stone. It buzzed persistently in her palm, a message trying to get through.

Noah and Sylphora POV

Noah groaned, his head pounding as if he’d been hit by a truck—a hundred times over. Every inch of his body ached, his muscles felt heavy, and the world around him spun in a disorienting blur. He felt like he was barely clinging to consciousness. The sensation worsened with each passing second as the ground beneath him rushed by, a dark blur of shadows and earth moving at an unnatural speed.

“Oh god... I feel like shit,” he muttered, grimacing as he became aware of an odd pressure against his stomach, something firm and unfamiliar pressing into him.

“Hisss, you're quite odd for a human,” a voice hissed from up ahead, sharp and unfamiliar, but strangely sentient.

Noah blinked, trying to focus through the haze clouding his mind. "What do you mean, odd for a human?" he rasped, lifting his head weakly. His vision blurred, but as his surroundings began to sharpen, he noticed faintly glowing roots illuminating the tunnel around him.

Then, his gaze fell on the massive creature running swiftly through the narrow tunnel. Red scales gleamed in the dim light, like the very earth they were rushing past. The creature’s powerful limbs propelled it effortlessly, and Noah’s stomach dropped as he finally registered what was happening.

The creature’s large head turned slightly, and for a brief moment, two sharp, intelligent eyes met his before the creature’s focus shifted back ahead.

It all clicked in his mind, albeit slowly, his thoughts swimming in and out of focus. “Wait... you’re… you’re the dragon.”

The creature let out a low hiss, the sound almost resembling a chuckle. “Sylphora,” the dragon corrected, her voice deep, smooth, and oddly melodic. “And yes, I am a dragon now, thanks to the mana you and the World Tree forced into this place.”

Noah’s heart raced as fragments of memory flashed through his mind—the roots, the overwhelming surge of energy, the sense of drowning in raw power. "Sylphora?" he repeated, still groggy but slowly becoming more aware of his surroundings. “What... what’s happening? Where are we going?”

Sylphora's powerful legs continued to pound against the ground, her wings folded tightly against her sides as she navigated the winding tunnel with ease. "You absorbed too much mana," she said, her tone casual, almost detached, though the weight of her words struck hard. "More than your body could handle. The World Tree’s roots tried to save you... but it wasn’t enough. So I took some of it. And now… it’s changed me.”

Noah struggled to process her words, his mind piecing together the fragments of memory and sensations. "The roots… they wrapped around me. I remember feeling like I was drowning in mana. Then you—"

"Bonded with you," Sylphora interrupted her voice steady but carrying a hint of gravity. "We share the mana now. You’re alive because of me."

Noah’s breath hitched, his mind spinning as he realized the truth of her words. He wasn’t just recovering from the ordeal—he was tethered to this creature, his life sustained by their connection. The idea both terrified and fascinated him.

He clutched her scales tighter as the tunnel rushed past, a flicker of energy still pulsing beneath his skin, a remnant of the mana that had nearly consumed him.

Noah stared at her, the weight of the situation finally sinking in. "So... we’re linked?" His voice cracked with disbelief, the reality of what she was saying hitting him like a wave.

“Yes, but it’s more complicated than that,” Sylphora replied, her voice firm but laced with something deeper—an emotion that Noah couldn’t quite place. Her powerful strides barely slowed as they weaved through the tunnels, her movements smooth and effortless despite the weight of their flight. “We share the same mana now. I didn’t choose this, and neither did you, but we’re connected. What happens to you... I will feel it too.” She hesitated for a moment, her tone softening slightly, as though she were picking her next words with great care. “I’m not just your companion, Noah. Our bond runs deeper—if you fall, I fall. It’s not something either of us can break.”

Noah swallowed hard, feeling her words sink in with a heavy finality. The thought of being bound to a dragon—one that didn’t seem entirely thrilled about the arrangement either—was overwhelming. "That’s... a lot."

Sylphora let out a low rumble, the sound vibrating through her chest. It wasn’t hostile, nor was it amused—it was simply a confirmation of the seriousness of their bond. “It is. But there’s no turning back now.”

As they continued to charge through the darkened tunnels, the rhythmic pounding of Sylphora’s claws against the stone floor filled the air, Noah found a strange sense of calm settling over him. His body still ached, and his mind raced with questions, but there was something oddly reassuring about Sylphora’s presence. Despite the chaos and uncertainty, he wasn’t facing it alone. Whether it was the bond between them or the simple fact that she was a fierce and capable creature, it made him feel less... isolated.

"So... where are we going?" Noah asked, his voice steadier now, though his thoughts were still scattered.

Sylphora’s eyes flicked toward him briefly before focusing back on the path ahead. Her voice remained firm, though there was a note of urgency. “Away from the roots. They’re unstable, and if we don’t get out of their reach, you won’t last long. You’ve already absorbed more mana than your body can handle.”

Noah frowned, feeling the weight of the exhaustion tugging at his limbs. "And you?"

“I’m... adapting,” she replied, her voice tight, a flicker of strain evident despite her powerful movements. “But we can’t stay here. The World Tree’s roots are losing control, and if we linger, they’ll overwhelm everything—including you.”

Her words carried a seriousness that Noah couldn’t ignore. The undercurrent of concern in her voice made it clear that the situation was dire. This wasn’t just about escaping—the very essence of the World Tree, and by extension, their survival, was at stake.

"Alright," Noah muttered, gripping her scales tighter, his knuckles white. "Lead the way, Sylphora."

Sylphora let out a hiss—this time, Noah could almost interpret it as a chuckle—before she surged forward, her powerful limbs propelling them deeper into the twisting tunnels. Behind them, the sound of cracking stone and the sickening groan of breaking earth echoed ominously, a chilling reminder that something relentless was pursuing them.

Noah glanced back, his heart hammering in his chest as he saw the thick roots tearing through the stone, bursting in and out of the walls like tendrils of some dark, corrupted force. But something was wrong. The roots were no longer the vibrant green of the World Tree he had seen before. Instead, they had darkened—twisting into an almost sinister hue of purple, fading into a deep, pulsating black. A sickly glow radiated from them, and Noah’s stomach twisted in fear.

“This isn’t looking good,” Noah said, his voice tinged with rising panic. “I’ve never seen the World Tree’s roots look or act like that before.”

The corrupted roots thrashed wildly, their movements erratic and aggressive, ripping through the stone walls as if driven by something dark and twisted. Sylphora’s pace quickened, but Noah could feel her muscles tensing beneath him. “Can you run any faster?” he asked, his words urgent as he cast another nervous glance at the corrupted roots gaining on them.

Sylphora growled low in her throat, her powerful body surging forward with renewed speed. “I’m running as fast as I can, human,” she snapped, her irritation seeping through, though Noah could sense the undercurrent of fear in her voice.

Noah swallowed hard, the reality of the situation becoming all too clear. Whatever was happening to the World Tree’s roots, it wasn’t natural. It was wrong—dark and twisted in a way he had never felt before. He had always been connected to the World Tree, feeling its life and energy pulsing through him. But this... this felt like an infection, a corruption spreading through the very essence of the earth.

“We need to get out of here,” Noah muttered under his breath, the oppressive weight of the corrupted mana pressing down on him. He could feel it gnawing at him, an uncomfortable buzzing just beneath his skin, as though the corruption itself was trying to seep into his very being.

As the corrupted roots surged closer, the tunnel walls began to crack, the stone groaning under the relentless assault. Sylphora’s claws dug into the loose earth, her muscles rippling as she pushed herself to go faster. But Noah knew they couldn’t outrun the roots forever—something had to give.

Up ahead, the tunnel suddenly split into two narrow passageways, each one twisting off into darkness. Sylphora skidded to a halt, her body tense and coiled as she glanced between the two paths, calculating their best chance of escape.

“Which way?” Noah asked, his voice tight with urgency. The roots were crashing behind them, growing louder, more aggressive.

Sylphora hesitated for only a moment, her sharp eyes scanning the two tunnels. Then, with a growl, she made her decision. “The right tunnel—it’s narrower, but the roots might struggle to follow us.”

Without waiting for confirmation, she bolted into the right passageway, her speed only slightly hindered by the tighter space. Noah ducked low against her back, barely avoiding the jagged rocks hanging from the ceiling as they sped through the darkened tunnel. The sound of the roots crashing behind them grew more distant, but Noah wasn’t convinced they were safe just yet.

Suddenly, something flashed before his eyes—a shimmering, translucent window appearing in midair, glowing with a soft blue light. Noah blinked in disbelief as the glowing words came into focus, his mind struggling to process what was happening.

-{Urgent Quest}-

World Tree Corruption Detected

{Warning: If the corruption continues to spread, the consequences could be catastrophic and irreversible.}

Objective: Purify the World Tree

Task: Gather the necessary items to cleanse the corruption

Progress: 0/4

Rewards: Unknown

Noah blinked in disbelief, his breath catching as a glowing window appeared before his eyes. It shimmered with an unnatural glow, displaying a message that seemed utterly out of place amid the chaos surrounding them. "What the...?" he muttered, struggling to process the sudden appearance of what looked like a quest notification. The timing couldn’t have been worse—right in the middle of their desperate flight through the unstable tunnels.

The text hovered before him, glowing softly, almost mocking the intensity of the situation.

Sylphora, still running on all fours, her muscles rippling beneath her crimson scales, glanced back at him with sharp, glowing eyes. “Focus, human!” she snapped, her voice carrying a dangerous edge. “What are you gawking at?”

Shaking his head, Noah tried to push the strange notification from his mind, but it lingered in his vision, demanding attention. “I just got a system quest, and it’s urgent," he said, his voice strained. "I’ve only ever had one happen before.”

Sylphora’s growl rumbled deep in her throat, vibrating through her body as she picked up speed, her claws tearing through the dirt and rock beneath them. The walls blurred as they raced past. Her voice came out harsher, carrying a mix of urgency and irritation. “And what does it say?”

"Corruption detected in the World Tree," Noah read aloud, his voice tense. "With a warning: if the level of corruption grows, there may be irreversible consequences."

Sylphora hissed in response, a low, menacing sound that echoed off the tunnel walls. Her powerful strides grew even faster as if the very urgency of the message had ignited something within her. Each step sent tremors through the ground, dust and debris falling from the tunnel's ceiling. “The system must be responding to the crisis—the World Tree’s growth is spiralling out of control,” she growled, her gaze never leaving the path ahead.

Noah’s mind raced, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He had always known he was connected to the World Tree, but seeing it displayed like this—a quest with unknown rewards and dire consequences—made the reality sink in. The fate of the World Tree, and even the world itself, felt unbearably heavy. Everything had been leading to this moment, but now it felt too real, too much like waking up from a nightmare only to find it wasn’t a dream at all.

“I always knew the world’s fate was tied to me,” Noah muttered, his voice barely above a whisper, the weight of his words sinking deeper into his chest. “But now it feels... different. Like this is it. The real endgame.” He swallowed hard, the truth of it burning in his throat. “We need to find an uncorrupted root of the World Tree—I think I know what to do. But we have to turn back. We need to find Nova.”

“Turn back?” Sylphora growled, her voice thick with disbelief, almost a snarl of frustration. Her red eyes narrowed in on the twisted, darkening roots chasing them, each tendril pulsing with malevolent energy. “Why on earth would we do that, with those things hunting us down?”

“Because we need to keep the roots busy. If we don’t, they’ll overrun everything. We have to give them a task—something to focus on, something to distract them.” Noah’s voice grew more resolute, the panic in his chest slowly transforming into grim determination. “It’s the only way to save the World Tree, to stop this before it’s too late.”

Sylphora hissed darkly, her muscles coiling beneath her scales like taut springs. “Hold on,” she snapped, her tone low and dangerous. In one swift, powerful motion, she veered to the side, her front legs digging into the rocky ground as her back legs kicked off with explosive force, launching them back toward the way they’d come. The air around them seemed to shift, colder, as if the very atmosphere was resisting their return.

“What’s your plan, human?” Sylphora’s voice cut through the sound of the wind rushing past them, her claws tearing into the earth with every powerful stride. “Reaching them won’t be easy, and those roots will fight us every step of the way.”

Noah, still gripping her scales for dear life, thought quickly. “We just need to drop something near them. Something to catch their attention. Get us close to the tunnel before it splits,” he said, his voice steady despite the urgency. His fingers fumbled as he ripped a piece of his shirt, his hands working quickly as he wrapped something inside the torn fabric.

With a flicker of concentration, Noah opened his inventory. The familiar screen popped up before him, his heart racing as he grabbed the communication stone. He typed the message as fast as his shaking hands allowed, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. Come on, Nova, we need you…

Sylphora’s sharp voice snapped him back into focus. “We’re almost at the tunnel. Duck, and I’ll let you know when we pass it.” Her tone was sharp with intensity, her body coiled like a spring as she dodged another thicket of roots.

Noah barely had time to react, ducking his head just as a sharp rock jutted out from the tunnel wall, grazing his shoulder. The pain shot through him like a hot knife, and he hissed, feeling the sting of the cut, but he didn’t let go. His focus was on the task at hand—on the bundle in his grasp, and what it could mean for their survival.

"Almost there—are you ready?" Sylphora’s voice cut through the air as they approached the crossroads, the dark roots looming ahead like sentinels of doom. They twisted and thrashed, as if sensing their approach, growing darker with every moment. Sylphora clawed at the roots, her powerful limbs tearing a small hole just wide enough to push through.

As they reached the tunnel’s junction, Noah acted fast. With a quick, desperate motion, he hurled the bundled cloth toward the nearest opening. “Turn back now!” he shouted, his voice echoing through the hollow space. The bundle tumbled across the ground, unrolling slightly as it landed. A soft, pale light seeped through the fabric, glowing faintly but steadily. The light wasn’t blinding, but it cast an eerie glow across the tunnel, and Noah watched as the dark roots seemed to recoil in response, hissing and writhing as if in disgust.

Sylphora glanced back, her gaze sharp and questioning. “What was that? What did you throw?”

“Our only hope,” Noah replied, his voice tight with both determination and uncertainty. His grip tightened on her scales, his knuckles white from the strain. “Nova will understand the message.”

With the glow of the bundle fading into the distance behind them, Sylphora sped through the tunnel, her powerful legs carrying them swiftly away from the looming threat. The air was thick with tension, and the sound of the hissing roots still echoed faintly behind them, growing more distant with each passing second.

Noah held on tight, the world around them blurring into a mix of shadow and light as they tore through the tunnel. His heart pounded in his chest, but a flicker of hope stirred within him. They had bought themselves some time—but for how long? That remained to be seen.

Noah then heard a single word echo faintly in his head “Hurry”

World Tree’s POV

The World Tree strained under the overwhelming weight of the excess mana. Its roots, once channels of pure life force, now pulsed erratically, trying to push the corrupted energy back into the earth. It had never expected this—the sheer force of the World Crystals was breaking it apart from within.

Corruption, dark and twisted, coiled through its once-strong roots, staining the network that connected the entire world to its core. Each pulse of mana seemed to fray the ancient lifelines that had sustained it for centuries. Desperate, it reached deeper into the ley lines beneath the earth, attempting to expel the volatile energy into the ground, hoping it would diffuse, but the ground resisted, pushing back the poison with violent tremors.

And then there was Noah.

The guardian. He was tied to it, a lifeline that was both a strength and a weakness. The tree had no choice but to use him as a conduit, forcing him to bear the brunt of the corrupted mana. Through their connection, the tree could sense his struggle, feel the way the energy coursed through his body, tearing at his core. It wasn’t enough. He wasn’t strong enough yet. The bond they shared was delicate, and if the corruption continued to grow, it would tear them both apart.

The newly awakened dragon, Sylphora, was linked to Noah too, bound by the same mana. Her presence brought a flicker of hope—the tree could feel her strength building, her body adapting to the chaotic energy. But she was still young, her power raw and unstable. The bond between her and Noah was still new, and even with the dragon’s strength, the tree knew it couldn’t rely on them alone.

The corruption was spreading faster than it could manage, and as the darkness slithered through the mine, the tree focused what little pure energy it had left to protect the three women near its roots. It felt their fear, their confusion, as they huddled together, unaware of the battle being waged beneath the surface. The tree wove a protective barrier around them, using its ancient roots to shield them from the worst of the corruption. But it wouldn’t hold for long. The energy it needed to keep them safe was rapidly depleting.

The earth groaned in protest as the corrupted roots clashed with the tree's remaining pure mana. Cracks spiderwebbed through the mine walls, the ground beneath shuddering as the tree fought to maintain its hold. Dust fell from above, and the air grew thick with the hum of dangerous energy. It was a battle on too many fronts—protecting the women, stabilizing Noah and Sylphora, and holding off the relentless corruption that clawed at its core.

At the same time, the tree attempted to force the mana into the ley lines, trying to drain the excess energy into the earth. But even with its immense roots digging deep into the world, the effort wasn’t enough. The earth beneath it groaned and pushed back, unable to absorb the overwhelming surge of energy being pumped through the ley lines.

It was losing.

The tree reached out, its consciousness flickering. Through its bond with Noah, it sent a single word, a plea that carried the weight of its entire existence.

"Hurry."

Time was slipping away, and the corruption was closing in. If they didn’t find a way to purify the tree, everything would unravel. The roots, the ley lines, the very heart of the world—it all hung in the balance. The tree could feel itself growing weaker, its ancient presence fading under the crushing weight of corrupted mana. It needed help. Now.

Pov Brisbane, Southbank Brisbane River

Lily slowed her pace, her breath coming in shallow, controlled bursts as she came to a stop in front of the iconic Brisbane sign. Her chest rose and fell rhythmically, each breath pulling in the fresh river air that was tinged with the earthy scent of eucalyptus and the faint tang of salt from the sea. Beads of sweat clung to her skin, cooling rapidly under the afternoon sun that hung lazily in the sky. The warmth of it pressed against her back like a comforting, heavy blanket, but the light breeze that drifted off the river balanced it, keeping her from overheating completely.

The vibrant letters of the Brisbane sign, bold in their colors, made her smile. It was a landmark she never tired of seeing, its bright hues a constant in her runs along the riverbank. The river stretched out behind it, the surface glittering like shattered glass under the sunlight. Families meandered by, children chasing after pigeons, their laughter a soundtrack to the late afternoon scene. Cyclists zipped past, and the gentle hum of conversation filled the air, mingling with the distant chime of boats drifting lazily along the water.

Lily wiped a slick arm across her brow, feeling the satisfying coolness as the breeze swept over her sweat-soaked skin. Her muscles hummed with the afterglow of exertion—her legs heavy but strong, her pulse a steady thrum beneath her skin. The pleasant ache of her run left her feeling accomplished, even as her body begged for something cold to drink.

She turned her attention toward the nearby coffee stand, her best friend Isabell’s pride and joy. The rich scent of freshly brewed coffee drifted through the air, intermingling with the crispness of the river breeze. Her stomach growled in response, the deep aroma stirring both her hunger and thirst. She could already feel the icy chill of her usual drink on her tongue, and it made her mouth water with anticipation.

As Lily approached the coffee stand, she could see Isabell moving gracefully behind the counter, expertly making a series of drinks. The sun cast golden highlights over her friend's dark hair, which was tied back in a neat bun, and her familiar, easy-going smile lit up her face as she caught sight of Lily approaching.

“Hey, Lily! Getting your miles in, I see,” Isabell called out with a grin, wiping her hands on a towel and moving to the cold drink station. “And let me guess—you’re after something icy and sweet?”

Lily’s lips stretched into a smile, the familiar rhythm of their exchange like a cool balm after the heat of her run. She reached up to wipe away another bead of sweat that trickled down the side of her neck, relishing the way the breeze seemed to chill her skin afterward. “You know it,” she panted, still catching her breath. “Already hit a few miles, and I’m dying for something cold. Plus,” she added, her eyes wandering to the nearby market stalls being set up, “looks like it’s going to be a busy evening. You staying open late for the market?”

Isabell nodded, already mixing up Lily’s order. The tinkling of ice cubes echoed pleasantly as they dropped into the cup, followed by the creamy swirls of coffee and milk blending together. “Of course! The market crowd always needs their caffeine fix, and tonight will be perfect for it.”

Lily leaned against the counter, letting her muscles relax as she scanned the growing crowd. People were bustling around, setting up vibrant stalls filled with handcrafted goods, jewelry, and mouth-watering food. The scent of grilled meat and spices wafted through the air, making her stomach rumble louder.

“Here you go,” Isabell said, sliding the drink across the counter with a flourish. The coldness of the cup stung Lily’s fingers in the best possible way as she grabbed it, the condensation already forming a slick sheen on the outside. Topped with a generous swirl of whipped cream, the drink looked like pure heaven.

Lily took a long sip, the cold liquid flooding her mouth, the sweetness of the whipped cream balancing the bitterness of the coffee. She sighed in relief, the icy chill traveling down her throat, cooling her from the inside out. The sun still beat down on her back, but the drink was like a refreshing antidote to the heat.

“You’re a lifesaver,” she said, smiling at her friend. The coolness of the drink in her hand was almost enough to make her forget the heat clinging to her skin.

Isabell chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “You say that every time. You coming back later for the market?”

Lily nodded, licking the whipped cream from her lips. “Wouldn’t miss it. I’ll probably head home and shower first, though. I’m not exactly market-ready right now.” She gestured to her sweat-soaked clothes with a laugh.

Isabell grinned, tossing the used grounds from the espresso machine into the bin behind her. “Yeah, a shower might be a good call.”

Before Lily could respond, the ground beneath them rumbled softly, a deep vibration that traveled up through the soles of her shoes, making her stomach flip. She paused, her body suddenly tense. The slight tremor grew stronger, rattling the coffee stand and causing the hanging signs to sway gently. The low hum of the city was briefly interrupted by the sound of clinking cups and the faint murmur of confusion from the crowd around them.

“What the hell…?” Isabell’s voice was tight as she gripped the counter, her wide eyes meeting Lily’s.

Lily’s heart raced, her grip tightening on the cold cup. “Did you feel that?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. The tremor subsided, but an uneasy stillness lingered in the air, as if the earth itself was holding its breath.

She glanced around, watching as people slowly began to move again, their conversations starting up in low murmurs of confusion. It hadn’t been a full earthquake—more like a warning. But a warning of what?

“I don’t like this,” Lily muttered, her pulse still racing. She cast a glance down at the river, where the surface of the water rippled gently in the wake of the tremor, the sunlight no longer looking quite as cheerful as it had moments before.

Isabell nodded, still gripping the counter. “Yeah, me neither.”

Later that Evening – Southbank Collective Market

The sun had long since dipped below the horizon, casting the Brisbane River in hues of deep blue and purple. Lanterns and string lights now illuminated the bustling stalls of the Collective Market. The hum of chatter, laughter, and the strumming of street performers’ guitars filled the air, a sharp contrast to the peaceful, lazy heat of the midday run.

Lily weaved through the growing crowd, the warmth of the day still clinging to her skin despite the cooling evening breeze. Her body, still buzzing from the earlier exercise, now carried a different energy—one of ease and relaxation. Her muscles had that pleasant, post-workout ache, and the cool drink from earlier had left her refreshed. As she walked, she felt the soft brush of her sundress swaying against her legs and the gentle vibrations of the market underfoot, as if the earth itself was breathing with the life of the crowd.

The faint scent of sizzling food mingled with the aroma of fresh coffee beans, wafting from her friend Isabell’s stall, guiding her like a familiar beacon through the crowded pathways. The scent brought with it memories of countless evenings spent at this market, sipping iced coffee under twinkling lights while laughter and music filled the air. But tonight, despite the vibrant atmosphere, there was something off—an undercurrent of unease that she couldn’t quite shake since that strange tremor earlier in the day.

Isabell’s coffee stall stood brightly lit amidst the hustle and bustle, its familiar chalkboard menu listing iced lattes, espressos, and the new seasonal blend. Behind the counter, Isabell moved with the efficiency of someone who had perfected the art of making coffee in record time while still engaging with customers. The faint clang of cups and the whirl of the espresso machine accompanied the chatter.

“Back for round two?” Isabell’s voice broke through the noise, greeting her with a warm smile from behind the counter. Even in the chaos of a busy evening, Isabell managed to make everyone feel like her favourite customer, and for Lily, that smile was a comfort amidst the lingering unease.

“Yeah, I couldn’t resist,” Lily replied, her grin widening as she approached. The twinkling lights overhead seemed brighter now, casting a warm glow on the riverbank. “Besides, I think that little shake earlier has everyone on edge. Did you hear people talking about it?”

Isabell raised an eyebrow, already reaching for the ice machine. “Yeah, weird, huh? A couple of customers mentioned feeling it too. Thought it might’ve been some construction work nearby, but... it didn’t feel normal, did it?”

Lily shook her head, accepting the fresh iced coffee that Isabell passed over. The cool condensation from the cup felt good against her warm palms, and she let out a sigh as she took a sip, the rich sweetness of the coffee instantly soothing her. “No, it didn’t. It was short, but it felt… strange, like the ground was holding its breath for a second.”

As she spoke, Lily’s gaze drifted across the market. Despite the earlier tremor, the market was alive with the sounds of evening energy: families laughing, children running between stalls, and street musicians tuning their instruments. Colorful canopies fluttered in the breeze, their vibrant hues of red, yellow, and orange catching the glow of nearby lanterns. But even as she admired the lively scene, that subtle feeling of unease crept back into her chest. Something wasn’t right.

“Anyway,” she added, shrugging it off for now, “you going to be open for the market all night?”

Isabell leaned against the counter, wiping her hands on a towel, her eyes following Lily’s gaze across the bustling square. “Best time for business,” she said with a grin. “The evening crowd loves their cold brew. Plus, the Collective Market always gets busier after sundown.”

Lily smiled, taking another sip, letting the cool liquid settle her nerves. “You’re the best, you know that?”

Isabell chuckled, her eyes twinkling as she swatted Lily playfully with her towel. “You keep telling me that and maybe I’ll start charging you full price.”

Just as Lily was about to reply, the ground beneath them gave a slight rumble—so subtle at first, it felt like the vibrations of a passing truck. But the low tremor quickly grew in intensity. The cups on Isabell’s counter rattled, and the hanging lights above swayed ever so slightly.

Lily’s heart jumped, her hands instinctively gripping the edge of the counter. Her breath caught in her throat as the tremor passed through her legs, a dull vibration that left her knees weak. The market, previously humming with life, quieted as people around them began to murmur in confusion, eyes darting to the ground as if searching for an explanation.

“That... that was definitely not normal,” Isabell said, her voice soft, almost as if she didn’t want to break the tense silence that had settled over the crowd.

Lily’s pulse quickened as she glanced around, noticing the wide-eyed looks of other market-goers. Conversations that had been filled with laughter moments ago were now tinged with worry. A street performer nearby had stopped mid-song, staring at the ground as if waiting for it to shake again.

“I don’t like this,” Lily muttered, feeling a chill run down her spine despite the warmth of the evening. She exchanged a glance with Isabell, both of them unspokenly acknowledging the growing unease in the air.

The second tremor hit then—more forceful than the first. This time, it wasn’t just a slight shift. The ground shuddered beneath their feet, sending a few cups tumbling off the counter, shattering on the ground. The lights above flickered as the hanging lanterns swung more violently. Around them, the market erupted into confusion as people stumbled and gasped, grabbing onto tables and railings for balance.

Lily’s heart raced, her breath shallow. “What the hell…” she whispered, her voice lost in the noise of the market now filling with uncertainty and rising panic.

Isabell gripped the counter for support, her usual calm demeanour slipping as her eyes darted toward the river, where small ripples began to form across the surface, distorting the reflections of the market lights. “This… this isn’t right, Lily.”

Lily’s pulse thudded in her ears as she took a step back, her eyes darting toward the Brisbane River. The gentle ripples had transformed into unsettling waves, disturbing the usual calm flow of water. Reflections of the market’s twinkling lights danced chaotically on the surface, casting fragmented shards of colour across the now-disturbed river.

“What’s causing this?” Lily muttered, her voice barely audible over the rising murmur of the crowd. People were beginning to move, some gathering in small groups, their faces twisted with concern, while others hastily packed up their market stalls, sensing that something wasn’t right.

Isabell, usually the calm centre of any storm, was now visibly shaken. She turned to Lily, her brow furrowed with worry. “I’ve been here through all kinds of weather, but this... this feels different.” She glanced back at her coffee stand as if it might provide some stability, but even the familiar sight of the steaming machines and stacked cups couldn’t shake the growing unease. “Maybe we should head inside, just in case?”

Lily nodded slowly, though her legs felt like they were rooted to the spot. The market, which had moments ago been filled with laughter and life, was now shifting into a state of controlled panic. Stall owners hurriedly packed their goods, while some shoppers clutched their bags tightly, eyes wide as they looked toward the flickering streetlights and the swaying trees.

The ground rumbled again—this time, more violently. Lily stumbled forward, grabbing Isabell’s arm for balance. The pavement beneath them felt like it was rolling, waves of movement rising through the earth as if the city itself were breathing erratically. Somewhere nearby, a display stand crashed to the ground, sending goods scattering across the street.

“Okay, that’s enough,” Isabell said, her voice tight with urgency. She tugged at Lily’s arm, guiding her toward the nearest building—a modern, glass-walled café that had remained relatively steady during the tremors.

As they hurried inside, the sound of shattering glass echoed from across the street. Lily whipped her head around to see one of the taller street lamps topple over, crashing to the ground in a shower of sparks. Panic rippled through the crowd as people scattered, rushing to avoid the falling debris.

Isabell slammed the door behind them as they entered the café, her chest rising and falling with deep, steadying breaths. The warm, dimly lit interior of the café provided a stark contrast to the chaos outside, but the tension in the air was undeniable. Other market-goers had already taken refuge inside, huddled near the windows, their faces illuminated by the dim glow of their phones as they frantically searched for news or answers.

Lily pressed her hand against her racing heart, trying to control her breathing. The tremors seemed to have paused for now, but she could still feel a faint vibration beneath her feet, a lingering reminder that the ground wasn’t quite settled.

“What do you think’s causing it?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. She glanced at Isabell, who was staring out the window, her face pale and tense.

“I don’t know,” Isabell replied, her eyes scanning the horizon, looking for something—anything—that might explain what was happening. “But I don’t think it’s just an earthquake.”

Lily followed her gaze. The river was still churning, the once-calm waters now turbulent and dark. Streetlights flickered erratically, casting strange shadows across the swaying market stalls. The air, which had been warm and sweet with the scents of food and coffee, now felt heavier, almost oppressive, like the atmosphere before a storm.

A sudden loud bang shook the café, making everyone inside jump. It sounded like something large had fallen outside. The few people who had remained at the market began rushing toward safety, their footsteps hurried and chaotic. The flickering streetlights made it hard to see clearly, but from her vantage point by the window, Lily could make out a strange shape moving in the shadows by the riverbank. Her stomach twisted with unease.

“What was that?” she asked, her eyes locked on the dark figure. She couldn’t make it out clearly—it looked like a large mass, writhing and shifting near the water. Was it debris from the tremor? Or... something else?

Isabell stepped closer to the window, her breath fogging the glass as she leaned in to get a better look. “I’m not sure... but I think we should stay inside until this blows over.”

Before Lily could respond, another tremor shook the building—stronger this time. The walls groaned, the lights overhead flickering ominously. Outside, the ground split open near the river, cracks snaking through the pavement like lightning. The rumbling intensified, and the air around them seemed to thicken with tension.

Lily gasped, pressing her hands against the cold glass as she stared at the widening fissure. From the gaping crack in the earth, something began to rise—something massive. Her heart pounded in her chest as she watched, unable to tear her eyes away from the surreal sight.

A thick, car-sized root emerged, twisting and curling as it broke through the pavement. The dark, pulsating mass of it groaned like an ancient creature being awakened from a deep slumber. The root writhed and coiled as if alive, its bark-like surface covered in strange, glowing veins that pulsed with energy. It moved with purpose, growing towards the river, inching its way along the water's edge.

Lily’s stomach clenched in terror as the massive root stretched further, creeping toward the Brisbane River with an eerie, deliberate precision. She watched, frozen, as the root dipped into the water, its serpentine form disturbing the once-tranquil surface. Ripples spread out from where it touched, turning into waves that crashed violently against the shore.

“What the hell is that?” Lily whispered, her voice barely audible over the groaning earth and the violent surge of the river. Her breath hitched, her mind racing with questions she couldn’t begin to answer.

Isabell took a step back from the window, her face pale, her wide eyes filled with shock. “I… I don’t know. But we can’t stay here. We need to get out. Now.”

Lily’s heart pounded wildly in her chest as she stared at the monstrous root. Her breath caught, fear tightening around her lungs. It wasn’t just growing—it was expanding with purpose, like a living creature with a sinister intent. Her eyes tracked the thick, twisting mass of earth-coloured tendrils as it slithered like a massive serpent toward Story Bridge.

She was paralyzed, transfixed, as the root split in two. One half plunged deeper into the Brisbane River, churning the water into a furious froth as it snaked its way toward the open ocean. The other half coiled upward, scaling the steel beams of Story Bridge with terrifying speed.

“Isabell, look…” Lily whispered, her voice trembling above the escalating rumble beneath their feet.

The root coiled around the bridge, the massive tendrils crushing the steel supports with sickening ease. Screeching metal echoed through the air, groaning in protest before giving way, sending chunks of the structure tumbling into the water below. The ground beneath Lily shuddered violently as the root burrowed deep into the earth, vanishing into the city like a beast seeking prey, its monstrous form disappearing into the crumbling landscape.

Lily stumbled backward, her entire body trembling, her mind struggling to comprehend the destruction unfolding before her. The familiar skyline of Brisbane was being torn apart, buildings collapsing, streets breaking open, the earth itself splitting under the weight of the advancing root.

“What the hell is happening?” Isabell murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, her hand clutching the counter for support as the shop trembled under the aftershocks of the root’s movements.

Lily felt a cold sweat break out across her skin, her muscles tight with fear. Whatever this was, it wasn’t stopping. The ground continued to quake beneath them, the vibrations growing stronger, as if something deep and ancient was stirring beneath the city, ready to unleash its wrath.

“We need to go,” Lily said, her voice shaky but determined. Her gaze lingered on the devastation outside—the shattered bridge, the gaping cracks in the earth—as the weight of the situation bore down on her, fear gnawing at her gut.

The two friends stood in stunned silence for a heartbeat longer, watching the monstrous root continue its terrifying march, splitting the city wide open as it grew, seemingly unstoppable.

Lily’s breaths came in quick, shallow bursts as she grabbed Isabell’s arm, her grip tight. “We have to go. Now.”

Without another word, they turned and fled toward the back of the shop. The ground trembled beneath their feet, a low, menacing rumble reverberating through the air as more buildings collapsed outside. The chaos of the world seemed to press in on them from all sides, the monstrous root stretching its dark tendrils across Brisbane, leaving destruction in its wake.