For the very first time in her existence, Overseer Anara found herself opening her mouth and uttering the word ".....help."

Recognizing that her initial plea hadn't carried far enough, she suppressed her shivers, striving to make her voice clearer. She drew a deep breath, summoning her strength, and then, with all the power she could muster, she cried out, "HELPPP MMEE!"

Out of the corner of her eye, she immediately noticed something wet sliding onto the grass below her. Frozen in shock, she used her fingers to touch the moisture that had come from her eyes.

"....What is this?" she whispered to herself. Tree nymphs could experience sadness, but that didn't translate into shedding tears. They couldn't sleep either, though they could induce a trance-like state resembling sleep. Their bodies were impervious to harm, except when attacked by warriors or if their trees were harmed. Regardless, even in light of all these peculiarities, they couldn't shed tears.

So what was this liquid?

However, almost instantly after her plea echoed and reverberated throughout the various surrounding trees behind her, a radiant light emanated from one of the trees. Emerging from the glowing source was a tree nymph, her lower body adorned in a light shade of grey while her upper body glowed in a vibrant azure hue.

Following this lead, the neighbouring trees illuminated with an array of dazzling colours, and one by one, tree nymphs manifested from within them, stepping forward in succession towards her location.

In a matter of minutes, a complete assembly of tree nymphs had gathered, illuminating their surroundings. Several of them reached Anara's side, forming a collective presence around her.

Observing her with a combination of curiosity and a sense of impending unease, the tree nymphs instinctively took action. With care and concern etched in their gazes, they gently lifted Overseer Anara from the ground and carried her towards her own tree.

Once she found herself in the comforting presence of her tree, Anara managed to summon a faint, appreciative whisper, "Thank you," before her form became ethereal, melding seamlessly into the tree.

Meanwhile, encircling her tree, the other tree nymphs gradually settled onto the grass, their collective concern tangible as they awaited confirmation that the Oldest Tree Nymph would be restored to health.

..............

"Looks like that did the trick," Stronghold Leader Zogar remarked, clapping his hands to shake off the lingering dust. "I might have broken a few bones, but a dose of Vylkr energy should set things right and make them even stronger. Although the immediate difference might not be very noticeable at first, but when you create your first container and the ones that follow, you'll easily sense the improved control you gain over the chaotic Vylkr energy," he continued, walking toward Orion, who lay on the ground, his back to the earth, gasping for breath.

He leaned over Orion and added, "And once you've fully reached your potential, you'll wield the Vylkr warrior's form with ease, without the need to subdue it with the strange energy in your body."

"Haaa... Haaaa..." Orion nodded and continued to audibly catch his breath as he prepared to leave the training session with Stronghold Leader Zogar and head back to his hut for some well-deserved rest. Slowly, he pushed himself up and sat upright on the ground, his gaze shifting to the extended arm of the Stronghold Leader.

Using it as a support, Orion managed to pull himself up onto his feet. Once he was standing, Stronghold Leader Zogar's eyes swept over Orion's entire body, scrutinizing him from head to toe.

An approving nod accompanied Stronghold Leader Zogar's words, 'When you resume your training tomorrow, utilize the techniques I've taught you. This way, both your peers and instructor will witness your dedication and not assume you've been slacking during your absence. Focus on your training, and I assure you, that you'll easily secure a spot among the best warrior group, without a doubt.'

Then, with a shift in tone, he asked, "Now, about the materials you mentioned for your third plan, what do you need? If possible, I'd be glad to contribute. I doubt the farm has everything you require."

Exhaustion lined Orion's features as he wearily acknowledged the Stronghold Leader's words with a nod. He went on to detail the materials needed for his third plan to come to fruition.

Upon hearing Orion's rundown, Stronghold Leader Zogar's brows knit in contemplation. "I can certainly offer assistance," he replied, though a hint of hesitation permeated his words. "However, the process will take some time. The materials must first be melted down, and the warrior possessing that particular gift is presently recovering from an injury. But I expect him to be back on his feet within a day or two."

Orion shook his head and responded, "No worries. Take the time you need to arrange everything, as long as the materials don't arrive too late."

"Alright," Stronghold Leader Zogar nodded, his understanding clear as he shifted his gaze to the oncoming horde of two-star vines. Exhaustion etched across his face, he redirected his attention to Orion.

Quickly, he hoisted him onto his shoulders, and with a powerful leap into the air, he said, "It's already late; let's get you back to the farm."

..............

As my feet touched the ground and I readied myself to regain stability after the sudden and quick ride, I watched Stronghold Leader Zogar ascending into the sky once again, his voice echoing behind him, "I will be seeing you later, Orion!"

Shaking my head tiredly at the paradox of a single man wielding such immense power while dedicating it all to controlling the relentless growth of life-draining plants, deepened my appreciation for the tight-knit bond shared among the villagers.

Turning on my heels, I made my way back to my new large hut since the Stronghold Leader had left me not too far from it.

When I stepped into our yard, a closer glance revealed the voluptuous muscular physique of Fifi, sitting cross-legged at the centre. My eyes then discerned several figures peacefully slumbering against the wooden wall of our new hut.