694 FAFO 10

Did you feel what I felt? Oak asked, his voice tinged with unease. As the tremors and explosions shook the planet, some of his core roots had disintegrated under the intense heat and pressure, beyond what they could withstand despite their strength. For the first time in his existence, Oak felt a profound sense of dangera sensation so foreign to him that he struggled to categorize it.

Although Im not certain its exactly the same, I felt something too, Mangrove responded, sharing in the unsettling sensation. Like Oak, some of his roots had also disintegrated, but the feeling they both experienced wasnt merely a reaction to the damage. It was something deeper, something far more disconcerting, and it left Mangrove with a growing sense of unease.

But weve experienced earthquakes beforewhats different about this one? Oak asked, trying to make sense of the unfamiliar feeling. Other than the loss of some of our core roots, which isnt too significant considering the end goal.

He searched his memories for a similar reaction during past earthquakes, but since they didnt have such advanced sensations back then, he couldnt be sure if they had felt the same way before.

The possibility that this strange feeling was related to the loss of their roots crossed his mind, as it was the first time they had experienced such destruction. However, he couldnt shake the sense that this was something more profoundsomething akin to fear, though he hesitated to name it as such.

It doesnt matter, Mangrove replied, trying to focus on the task at hand. But it doesnt seem like he plans on stopping, and we cant halt the mana absorption now that weve started, or all the mana weve gathered will go to waste.

While they conversed, a small portion of their attention was dedicated to monitoring the situation, including Aron, who appeared intent on continuing his destructive actions after the first devastating attack. The pressure was mounting, and they knew they couldnt afford to falter now.

I have an idea to deal with him, but there's a chance it could fail, Oak said, then quickly outlined the plan he had come up with. After explaining the concept, he waited for Mangroves response, giving him time to process the idea and come to a decision.

Theres no harm in trying, Mangrove finally responded. If it works, it will benefit us. If it doesnt, we can stop what were doing and manage the loss after we deal with them once and for all.

With that, they jointly reached out to the other tree folks, summoning them for a meeting in the timeless meadow.

I really dont have time to deal with you people, especially since my focus is already stretched thin, Birch said, glaring at the two traitors seated across from him. The division within their once united group was now stark, with the two factions clearly having different agendas.

The other tree folks echoed Birchs sentiments, voicing their dissatisfaction with the traitors for daring to harm their children by exploiting the control meant solely for emergencies.

We created them, so we can do whatever we want with them, Mangrove responded, speaking for both himself and Oak, his tone cold and unapologetic.

That control is limited to your own children; you have no authority over ours, Crabapple retorted, his frustration evident. His children had suffered the most due to the size discrepancy between them and the giants, as the dwarves were shorter even than the average Proximians.

We can address that later, but right now, lets focus on why we called this meeting, Mangrove interjected, setting aside his belief temporarily. He knew that if they continued down this path, it would only lead to more arguments and wasted time.

Well listen to you, but first, rescind the order you gave your children. I wont entertain anything else until thats done, Crabapple demanded, laying down an ultimatum.

Im sure you realize thats the only thing preventing you from directly targeting us. Do you think were foolish enough to do so without an agreement in place? Oak responded with a smirk, clearly aware that Crabapple was trying to outmaneuver them.

Then Im done here. I wont waste my time talking to people who are actively sabotaging our efforts, Crabapple declared, and before anyone could respond, he vanished from the timeless meadow, making it clear that he wasnt bluffing and was entirely serious about his stance.

Although Im tempted to join him, Im curiouswhat exactly are you trying to propose? Cypress asked. Her children were relatively safe, as their natural ability to fly allowed them to avoid much of the chaos and focus on helping other Proximians.

Birch remained silent, signaling that she, too, was interested in hearing what they had been called for.

As youve probably guessed, were currently gathering mana to reattempt the creation of a small number of bodies capable of containing our consciousness, Oak began, getting straight to the point. Our offer is this: deal with the imperial couple and bring their bodies to us, and we promise to create a body for each of you to transfer your consciousness into.

The meadow fell silent as Cypress and Birch processed the offer, weighing their options carefully.

After a moment, Birch spoke first. No, thank you. Now, if youll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to. Without waiting for a response, she immediately left the timeless meadow.

"What about you?" Mangrove asked, not surprised by Birch's decision. She had always been the closest to humans and Proximians, often acting as their representative. Her refusal was expected, and had she agreed, it would have raised more suspicion than gratitude. Turning to Cypress, the last of the traitors still present, he sought her decision, not planning to waste time if the answer wasnt favorable.

"I'll accept your offer," Cypress replied without hesitation. "But first, I need you to stop targeting my children so I can focus on him. Also, I want to be the one to keep the original body of his." Her expression remained unchanged as she betrayed the others who had just left.

Mangrove and Oak were momentarily taken aback, a mix of surprise and anger flashing through them at her greed. But they quickly realized that in her position, they might have done the same. Cypress held the upper hand, and at this moment they needed her more than she needed them.

"Fine, you can have it," Mangrove agreed, carefully masking his irritation. He knew that showing anger might lead Cypress to demand even more, something they couldnt afford.

"That's why I like dealing with you guys," Cypress remarked with a hint of satisfaction before she too disappeared from the timeless meadow. Mangrove and Oak immediately ordered their children to leave the fairies alone, keeping their end of the bargain.