The Hart family had welcod Nadessa into their ho, her now sitting on their couch. She looked around in wondernt at the furnishings and even the plants.
Nadessa smiled as she took in the feel of the room. This place feels amazing! The mana is so thick, and the vitality I feel like Im back at ho in the World Tree!
Ophelia said, Welco to our ho, Nadessa. Did you need sothing to eat?
Nadessa shook her head. Us dryads are much like plants. Sunlight, water, and plant nutrients through our feet is what we absorb. Just standing in your ho, I feel more than full!
Her smile was beaming and infectious, like that of a child. Berri looked on with an especially warm smile.
Nadessas expression then turned serious. I guess I might as well be out with why I wanted to talk with you in secret. The truth is, we have a World Tree seed that is coming, and it requires the utmost protection and secrecy.
It was Blood who asked, How is that possible? I have read about your world, and the World Tree is sothing that is ant to be only one per world, having a special connection to the Yggdrasil itself. Often, they dont seed until their branches reach space, for that seed to be whipped through it and travel the multiverse, to find its new ho. To have one
Nadessas face scrunched up in pain. We did sothing that shouldnt be done. When we knew our World Tree and thus the world was dying, we had to do sothing. We had hundreds of hamadryads, dryads, and treants all working their magic on it. It took a sacrifice of the Treant King and many of his wives life force to create the seedling and control where it would go: into our possession.
Jake thought he understood. This type of sacrifice was not sothing the Frawork would protect them against. So part of their mind and spirit was expended to accomplish this, rather than it being attacked by Tartarus. Being that their action was not allowed on so level unlike Fhesiah attempting ascension, they would not be restored.
Nadessa continued, We have a descendant of the Treant King to go along with it, a hamadryad to pair with the World Tree seed. It is a rare opportunity, to make a powerful pairing such as this. Normally, wherever the seed lands and plants, it is too late to pair a hamadryad with it.
Jake had to agree that it sounded powerful to match up a creature with sothing such as that, but there was sothing not quite right in his mind about this, and using it here on Highlands.
Tanda asked, But what about the balance? Our world is one in which the large amount of life force is at balance with that of death. While our jungles and oceans are teeming with life, there are deserts, swamps, and parts of the ocean filled with death. For such a massive addition of life force, there must be a counterbalance in death, to balance and continue the cycle of rebirth. To counter sothing at the level of the World Tree, we would need a similar entity to be its opposite.
Jake did rember seeing a few swamps as they flew in the distance, but had a hard ti imagining that the world was balanced. The life force was simply too much already, and those appeared to be a much smaller percentage of area. Perhaps they were located on the other side of the world, as they had only seen a small percentage of it up to now.
Nadessa frowned in thought, looking a little worried. Is it no good? We really are out of options here! We really need your help, and this world seed like it would be perfect. Are you sure it cant be done?
Fhesiah said, I think we have ti, but it feels questionable to kick the can down the road. The World Tree wont grow up in a day, throwing the entire world off balance, right? This could be a problem that we solve in the future. Our family progresses rapidly, we could be the peak of the next Tier in less than a hundred years easily.
Nadessa nodded. I doubt that it could be at the level of throwing the entire world off balance for many years. It can depend, though. Our original worlds levels of life and vitality were far lower than here, Id wager this world is close to the peak of this Tier in that aspect. Then, we should have a hamadryad bonding with it from the beginning. If thats the case, we could delay or accelerate things.
Ophelia humd. Isnt there one more problem too? Sothing like the World Tree must be sowhat similar to the Heart of the World, no? Can both of these things really exist on the sa world?
Jake nodded. This world is tiny, too. Even if they can work together, can such a small one really have both?
Tanda said, The world wasnt always small, though. It shrunk when it beca cursed.
Everyone looked at Tanda with a frown of disbelief.
Fhesiah voiced everyones thoughts. What?
Tanda blushed. I-Its true! Why dont you believe ? The mountains growing to make the valleys deeper and the plateaus higher is a part of it growing, the curse being removed! If you guys remove the curse, then it should grow and beco bigger once again.
Nadessa was a bit distressed. This is very concerning. If were unable to find a place for the World Seed, Im afraid we dont have many options. Id hate to have to do it, but wed have to give it over to Gaia. Our sacrifice would have been for nothing.
Jake asked, Why Gaia? Cant we talk to Brigid
Nadessa interrupted, We cannot bring this to other Gods! This seed has a portion of Gaias divinity in it, and to claim ownership of it by another God or Goddess would be seen as an attack on her. She would be allowed to challenge them with a [War Trial] at worst, or a [War Gas] at the least.
Jake understood that [War Gas] were sort of like enabling PVP mode on non-contested worlds. A guild or guilds could engage in these gas, making it a challenge for the other God or Goddess to accomplish anything, their people often being slaughtered or assassinated to spend ti awaiting resurrection. It persisted on Contested Worlds, and Jake thought it was absolutely crazy. Beating Tartarus was challenging enough without infighting.
A [War Trial] was even worse. Ownership of worlds could change hands, and to Jake, it was hard to imagine how the uninitiated wouldnt end up in the crosshairs. It was seen as a sort of contest, where the loser would pay imnsely in damages.
The only reason the Frawork allowed such contests was twofold. One, was because the gods had wanted this chanism when they created it, in order to give up portions of their authority and power to create it in the first place.
The second was because of the losers paynt and the empowernt from the act of the competition. Frequently, the end result was more powerful warriors, having gained both experience and rewards from the Trial, allowing them to be more successful in facing Tartarus.
One could understand that anyone in Jakes party was worth much more than several people individually. The idea that after the Trial, more people near Jakes level would be created was certainly worthwhile.
From what Jake understood, the [War Trial] was also an event that could be triggered by Tartarus. In a similar contest across many worlds and even Tiers, it could bet worlds and other treasures of value, that had to be matched by the Alliance to begin the Trial itself.
They would then battle it out similar to the conquest progress of a single world, but the goals could be different, similar to how [Battlegrounds] varied each ti.
Blood said, But planting it here would be fine, why? We still serve as representatives of our Gods and Goddess.
Nadessa smirked. But its not your world yet. You cant be blad for whats there when you save it, can you? She gave up ownership of our world when she abandoned it, and that included everything on it. While one could say that this seed will include a small amount of her divinity in it, its just that: a small amount. It can be overridden over ti, perhaps by this Heart of the World as you put it. The Heart may gain sothing from it as a result, in truth. It depends.
Tanda looked over to Jake, and he could tell she had so thoughts or interest in this. He sent his sentint that he would hear about it later.
Ophelia said, But she could still be petty about it? Surely shell know once the world changes hands, the jigll be up?
Nadessa shrugged. We have ti. While the seed is growing, I doubt its divinity will be much above that of a paladin or priestess, do you really think they pay attention to every single one? Its only once it becos large enough to cradle an entire civilization that one might compare it to sothing like a Champion or more, and she might notice. That could be more than a hundred years from now, and by then, she wont be able to do anything about it. I already know her focus has moved to other Sectors, otherwise she might have sent so of us there to help. My people are not weak! We won the war and the Raid, it should have been a major accomplishnt to be rewarded!
Jake nodded as he understood. Winning the Raid should have ant hundreds of people had completed a Trial, enhancing their capability forever. Of course, many of them wouldnt get their full benefit until they Tiered up at an Alliance Node. They could postpone this for a ti, maximizing all their skills, pooling up a portion of their experience as they prepared themselves. Within the Guild nu, Jake did see that Nadessa was level 24.
Fhesiah said, Whats in it for us now? You are putting us on the spot to accept this ti bomb of a seed. It looks like a major problem that is only going to make our war harder, what with having to protect it.
Tanda nodded. This nascent divinity will surely make our battle more challenging, it was already ntioned by Cernunnos that this is the case.
Jake could sense from the feelings Tanda was sending, that this was what she wanted to tell him about, but didnt include all the details to Nadessa here.
Nadessa frowned, but looked at everyone pleadingly. As to whats in it for you, is the World Tree will protect and enhance the life of the world drastically! It pulls in life energy from the cosmos itself through its connection to the Yggdrasil, increasing the total energy of the world. This world is already nearing Tier 2, I can feel it! With the world tree, it should surpass that.
She got a little more excited. Then, as to what it does for you now, my people will fight twice as more fervently knowing that they have a chance for having the World Tree once more. Its like we have a second chance to save our world, this place becoming our ho in truth! It may even attract more life-aspected adventurers to join this world alone. Thanks to how high the density is already, we can bring them here under that guise alone. When the World Tree appears, they will be that much more likely to make it their ho, just like us!
Berri said, That ans the little wild children will be happier here? I like that!
Jake sowhat understood what Nadessa was getting at. The World Tree itself was venerated on a certain level, similar to how auril was, or the Heart of the World was. Their people had faith and worshiped it, like that of a god or goddess. This faith and conviction provided a power of its own. He wasnt sure how it worked, but that veneration could pass on to the God or Goddess in so way.
Jake and the girls mostly reached consensus on the matter in just a few monts over their bond. How long do we have before the seed would arrive?
Nadessa replied, It should really be brought over next week, but we can postpone up to two.
Jake said, If thats the case, we really need to get that other HQ setup in Harmony Peaks. Our plan was to assault Natures Crossroads soon. We were going to visit the Heart of the World soon too. This doesnt really change our actions much, but now it makes it even more vital that we get this done and quickly. After we recapture this HQ, well be on our fast flight to get there as rapidly as possible.
Ophelia groaned. At least well be even faster this ti. No doubt, just a little more preparation and wed have been much faster. We were nearly a quarter of the way there when you realized to strap yourself to like that anyway, to fly like a rocket.
Nadessa looked over at them in confusion. W-What? She looked at Ophelias wings. You flew strapped to one another, like a rocket?
Jake chuckled. We had to travel like a thousand miles in as short a ti as possible. Carrying in her arms was slower. I dont have reverse summon yet.
Nadessa frowned. Youre a summoner? I suppose I can feel your Presence is quite high. I have only t a small number in my lifeti, and I have never t a human one. My people often dont have affinity with the void, having high affinity with nature instead.
She paused in thought for a mont, then continued, I suppose our business for now is at a close. Will you help us with the World Tree seed?
Jake nodded. Well have to figure sothing out. Once we complete the HQ recapture, well do our best to give you the tentative tifra. Well need to get the new HQ ready, and there were already plans to visit the Heart of the World, where we might learn sothing. We may be able to do it next week, but things will be tight. The assault will need to be two days from now.
Nadessa nodded. Thank you so much, Clan Hart. Help my people, and you will have the most loyal of followers. I know we can already be happy here, but with a World Tree my people will truly feel at ho and fight to their last, like weve already done.
They walked her to the door and said their goodbyes.
Jake asked, What was that detail about the divinity in the World Tree seed, Tanda?
Tanda replied, Cernunnos had said that the nascent divinity in the Heart of the World, along with the beast avatars, was what allowed Tartarus to send the Dreadbeast Champion in the first place. If there is sothing in this seed, then it could have similar repercussions.
Fhesiah shrugged, Still, its hard to imagine it to be all that significant as it's growing. When comparing it to five champions as we will be, its probably small potatoes.
Tanda perked up, as she looked over her new clan. So what now? That arrival really screwed our schedule up.
Fhesiah snorted. Tell about it. I had the most wonderful of plans
Jake sighed as he looked at the clock. Its ti to clear Rifts again. Ill let Valtor know weve decided on the day after tomorrow for the HQ assault.
He started his ssaging to Valtor in his nu, but Fhesiah said, How about us girls give you a bit of a break, husband? Well fly you near our destination Rifts, and you can go on your hunting date with Tanda for a while. Then, well et up. We three should be able to handle most without your help.
Jake frowned. Of course, with Fhesiah he had no fear of an ambush near enemy territory, but on his and Tandas side, Ira was still
There was a cracking sound from their fireplace, causing everyone to look. Fhesiah smiled.
Looks like your concern wont be a problem, our little friend has returned.
The void crystal broke open, and a dark snout for a creature too large to fit in the tiny crystal appeared. Its nostrils flared, as the crack spread even further. The top of the crystal shattered, allowing a draconic face with horns to co out. It turned in on itself, and it bit into the crystal, shattering the rest of it.
As the crystal shattered, it was like the creatures body just appeared or phased into existence. Ira roared in triumph, Jake feeling its excitent and pride.
Jake saw that Ira was now a [Juvenile Voidwyrm] over the familiar information sheet. Its body was now extrely black, making it hard to tell if the creature was substantial. However, it was just a trick of the eye, as the creatures body was so black it was hard to gauge the distance. Ira did not need to enter the material, or three-dinsional plane that Jakes and everyone elses bodies resided.
The creature was now about the size of a small boa with the head of a dragon, complete with horns. Small flas like smoke ca off the creatures body, like that of Jakes hearth. Flecks of white, black, and red were wafting off the creature, likely as a result of the many energies from Jakes hearth and the refuges hearth it consud. Jake thought the creature almost looked like a Chinese dragon.
Welco back, Ira. Congratulations on your growth.
Berri said, Yay, Ira! A snake and a dragon, thats a great combination! Gim a hug!
Ira and Berri wrapped themselves around each other in a hug, Ira wrapping around her chest and Berri hugging the creature with her arms.
Tandas tail was wagging, as she joined each of the girls, taking turns giving the creature a hug.
Ophelia said, We missed you, Ira. Glad to have you back.
Jake asked, Feeling stronger now, Ira? Do you need so more rest, or?
Ira smirked, sending Jake a feeling of confidence and pride. While the creature still couldnt send words, Jake understood the creatures desires much clearer now. He kept his magic calm, and didnt resist the creatures action against him.
Jake was swallowed with darkness, before being transitioned into the air right above Berri. He fell through the air, Ira, and the other girls moving out of the way. Berri caught him with her chest and arms like catching a stuffed animal, giggling.
Yay! That was cool, Ira. You can deliver Jake to anyti!
Tanda was all smiles. Yeah! That looks fun. Can you teleport ?
Jake got Iras feelings, and shook his head. It looks like no. Its because of my affinity with the void, and our connection as my familiar. In a pinch, Ira may be able to shift you a little, but Berri is way too big. Ira is better off moving whatever might be attacking you instead, or, doing this.
He took out one of Berris ammunition from his storage bracelet, and threw it at the wall. Ira surrounded it in darkness, and the montum was removed, causing the object to fall from gravity straight to the ground instead.
Then, a thin tear in space cut through the bowling ball-sized object, slicing it in half.
Ira then shifted between physical reality and the void, becoming visible or invisible, ruffling each of the girls hair or feathers as it rapidly moved around the refuge, snaking around and nudging the girls. It moved rapidly, and if it wrapped its body around sothing, showed off a powerful constriction.
Ira teleported back in front of them. It raised its chin, proud and filled with triumph.
Tanda and Ophelia clapped. Tanda said, Wow, Ira, youre so cool! I could hardly follow how fast you moved, and I cant even feel where you are!
Blood nodded. Even with my senses, I have a hard ti following you, Ira. I guess only Fhesiah can follow it?
Fhesiah said, I can have so trouble with it, too. I had never encountered such a creature, so this is a good experience for in detecting such a thing.
Jake nodded. He had already learned from Davonius that he needed to improve his magical senses, and did get so ti the other day with him. He had helped Dave by trying to improve the lab in Kenwodi, enchanting various cauldrons and tools.
Jake said, The tear in space and teleport moves, it cannot do those frequently in combat. This should be very useful. In that final battle in the HQ, Ira could have just got out of there, rather than Ophelia having to block the knight with her body.
Tanda was all smiles, her wings pulsing and her tail wagging as she looked at Jake. That ans we can do our hunting date then, right? Ira will watch over us?
Ira grinned with a nod, and then entered Jakes chest once more, wrapping itself around his hearth in a coil. He smiled at the creatures presence, having missed it this past week.
Welco back, my friend. Thanks for always watching over us.
Ira sent a contented smile, and Jake got the impression it was like a cat taking a nap in front of a fireplace. Despite resting, the creatures mind simply worked differently. It would be resting and getting used to its new body, but it would be vigilant.
Jake looked over at Tanda with a smile. He was looking forward to their first date.
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