My world-tree system-Chapter 92 - 91: Strange behavior

Foster had decided to devote the entire day to training Orëlas. The sun had just broken through the canopy of Vollua, casting soft golden rays over the training clearing, slightly illuminating the place as if dawn itself wanted to witness the young elf’s progress.

Orëlas stood in the center of the clearing, an expression of deep concentration on his fine, determined face. In front of him, his outstretched hand trembled slightly as a fine, precise flame flickered gently in his palm. Foster watched silently, a few steps away, noting every detail, every fluctuation of energy, every breath Orëlas took to master this destructive magic.

- Breathe slowly," Foster gently reminded him in a calm, reassuring voice. Let the magic flow freely through you. Don’t force it, let it flow naturally from your core to your fingers. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

Orëlas nodded slowly, his green eyes sparkling with an almost adult intensity despite his youth. Slowly, he inhaled deeply, and the flame in his hand intensified, becoming steadier, more fluid, gaining in power without escaping his grasp.

Foster smiled slightly, proud to see the young boy evolve with such impressive speed. Every day, Orëlas gained in precision and magical stamina, becoming able to hold spells for longer and longer, without ever losing control.

He could now prolong the duration of his flames, maintain his magic with astonishing consistency for his age.

- Very good," Foster murmured, approaching slowly. Now try to move your flame around your hand without it fading or weakening. Fluidity and control, Orëlas.

The young elf frowned slightly, concentrating. His fingers contracted slightly, and the flame glided slowly, following the contour of his open palm, drawing perfect, graceful circles. Foster nodded approvingly, feeling a growing pride in Orëlas’ remarkable progress.

However, despite this extraordinary progress, a strange feeling of unease continued to grip him. A subtle anxiety, almost imperceptible at first, but which had slowly intensified over the last few days. Foster had noticed a change in the behavior of his dragon, linked to him by such an intimate telepathic bond that every fluctuation in its mood or health was immediately perceptible.

The dragon, usually energetic, alert and attentive, had for some time seemed strangely lethargic, almost exhausted. His posture was less proud, his wings heavier, and his eyes, usually lively and attentive, seemed clouded by inexplicable fatigue.

Foster turned his attention briefly away from Orëlas, instinctively looking for his companion.

The dragon stood at the edge of the clearing, lying lazily under a thickly branched tree, his head resting on his massive claws, his heavy eyelids slowly closing, as if fighting sleep.

Foster felt his anxiety grow even stronger. Without taking his eyes off Orëlas, he gently stretched his mind towards the dragon, trying to understand what could be affecting him.

- Is something wrong?" he asked softly through their mental link.

The dragon took a moment before answering, his mind hazy, as if invaded by a thick, oppressive fog.

- I... I don’t know..." he murmured faintly, his usually clear voice now tinged with deep confusion. I feel... exhausted... as if drained of energy... I’ve never felt like this before, Foster.

This unusual and unsettling response heightened Foster’s anxiety. He frowned slightly, disturbed by his companion’s inexplicable state. Never, even after grueling battles or prolonged flights, had he felt so weakened, so vulnerable.

- Rest then," Foster said in a soft, comforting voice, trying to mask the concern he felt deep down. I’m here, so don’t force anything just yet. We’ll soon find out what’s causing all this.

The dragon didn’t reply, simply closing his eyes and sinking almost immediately into a deep sleep, his heavy breath gently lifting his massive chest.

Foster looked away slowly, troubled and preoccupied by this strange phenomenon. The proximity of tonight’s ritual amplified his concern. Tonight, more than ever, he would need all his strength, all his energy, to channel the powers necessary for the birth of the World Tree’s new child. It wasn’t the ideal time for his companion to be so weakened, for no apparent reason.

- Foster? Orëlas’s voice gently drew his attention back to the clearing, and the young elf watched him with slight concern. Is something wrong with your dragon?

Foster smiled faintly, hiding his trouble behind a reassuring mask:

- He’s just tired. Don’t worry, Orëlas. Keep up your training, you’re making good progress. I’m proud of you.

Orëlas seemed satisfied with this answer and resumed his concentration on the flame, but Foster could no longer completely ignore his growing concern.

For the rest of the day, while he carefully followed Orëlas’ progress, noting every advance, every success, every new mastery of magic, part of his mind remained preoccupied with the state of his dragon. The latter remained in this strange state, drowsy and exhausted, without showing any improvement.

As the day wore on, Foster’s anxiety grew, silently devouring his tranquility. That evening, they would perform a ritual crucial to Vollua’s future.

Success would depend largely on his own strength, his deep connection with his dragon and the Mother Tree. But how could he properly fulfill this role if an essential part of himself was so weakened and inexplicably absent?

Finally, as the sun slowly descended over the horizon, Foster approached the sleeping dragon. He knelt gently beside it, tenderly running a hand over the soft, warm scales of the creature’s neck.

- We’re going to get through this together," he murmured gently, "even if you don’t understand what’s happening to you. I’m here, whatever happens.

The dragon opened his eyes briefly, his consciousness weakly awakening, responding with a warm, comforting surge of affection through their mental link, before sinking back into exhaustion.

Foster rose slowly to his feet, his heart heavy with worry, but determined not to give in to despair.

Tonight, when the moon was high in the sky, he would need all his willpower, all his determination, to succeed in the ritual. And even though an ominous shadow now hung over this sacred moment, Foster refused to let fear overcome him.

The night sky was dazzlingly clear, as if the stars themselves wished to witness the event that was about to unfold before their watchful eyes.

In the heart of Vollua, the large clearing in front of the Mother Tree glowed softly under the full moon, its silver rays gliding tenderly over the foliage and bark, their light bursting into a thousand delicate reflections.

Foster stood in the exact center of the clearing, calm and focused. Around him, arranged in a circle, the thirty surviving elves waited silently for his signal, their gazes serious yet hopeful. Orëlas stood not far away, slightly behind, intensely observing every detail, knowing the crucial importance of this moment.

Foster slowly raised his head to the sky, feeling the moonlight bathe his face. He took a deep breath, letting Vollua’s pure, intense energy penetrate his every cell. Then he lowered his head, gazing into the eyes of Lïanna, standing still and majestic before the Mother Tree.

- Are you all ready?" he finally asked, his clear yet soft voice echoing in the solemn silence.

The elves answered with one voice, united and determined:

- We’re ready, Foster.

Köflik, stationed at the head of the circle, exchanged a brief glance with Foster, confirming that they were ready to begin the dance. Foster nodded gently in return:

- Then let’s begin.

At Köflik’s signal, the elves slowly began the dance.

Their graceful, precise gestures resonated like a silent song with the forest itself, each step delicately tracing imaginary lines on the sacred ground. Their arms and hands rose harmoniously toward the moon, as if to grasp and channel the celestial energy it generously offered.

Foster waited a few moments, carefully observing every movement, every detail. He could clearly feel the collective energy rising gently around him, intensifying as the elves continued their sacred dance.

When the energy reached a certain threshold, Foster slowly closed his eyes, releasing his own power. A gentle warmth invaded his body, running through his skin and muscles, slowly revealing the golden tattoos of his avatar state, luminous and vibrating with incomparable strength.

A murmur of admiration ran through the elves as they immediately felt the power emanating from Foster. In the middle of the circle, he now stood resplendent, like a living pillar of light and power.

Lïanna, facing him, met his gaze intensely, and a deep warmth passed between them, further strengthening the connection essential to this ritual.

- Lïanna," he murmured in a deep, emotionally-charged voice. Open yourself to me... Let the seed come to life.

She smiled softly, nodding slightly, her eyes sparkling with absolute trust.

Foster slowly raised his hands, palms facing the Mother Tree. The energy of the elven dancers began to converge on him, guided by his will, channeled and concentrated into his hands, where it materialized as a soft, ethereal light.

- Now," he declared solemnly.

A flash of light suddenly burst forth, gently irradiating the entire clearing. The elves continued their dance without hesitation, their movements further intensifying the energy flowing between them. Orëlas watched in fascination, amazed by the sheer beauty and power of the moment.

Foster then clearly felt the warm, familiar presence of the Mother Tree answering his call. The luminous energy flowed through his body in a continuous stream, flowing from his hands to Lïanna, who absorbed it with grace and gentleness, her arms open as if to welcome the whole future.

- I can feel the seed," Lïanna murmured softly, her eyes closed, her face lit up with deep joy. It’s coming to life inside me...

Foster smiled faintly, his eyes still closed, focused on the delicate process of creation. Every particle of energy, every emotion of the dancers, every breath, every heartbeat... everything was combining in this very moment to give birth to a new hope.

- Can you feel it too, Foster?" Lïanna asked softly, in an emotional whisper.

- Yes," he answered simply, his heart swelling with joy and pride. I feel his strength, his essence... He will be powerful, just like Orëlas before him.

The elves continued their dance without faltering, their faces now lit up with joyous determination. Each movement further amplified the magical energy, guiding it with infinite precision towards Foster, then towards Lïanna, in an infinite dance of balance and harmony.

After a long moment, Foster felt the last impulse of energy slowly leave his body, melting completely into Lïanna. He slowly opened his eyes, his golden tattoos gradually fading. Around him, the dancers slowed their movements to a gentle halt, their deep breaths testifying to the intense effort they had just exerted.

The clearing gradually fell silent again, disturbed only by the gentle rustling of leaves and the calm breathing of the exhausted but happy elves.

Foster slowly took a few steps towards Lïanna, feeling a deep but satisfied fatigue.

- It’s done," he murmured, his voice full of gratitude and emotion. The second child of the World Tree is inside you now.

Lïanna gently placed a hand on his belly, smiling tenderly, her eyes shining with genuine joy.

- I feel it, Foster. It’s strong... very strong.

Köflik approached gently, wiping his sweat-covered forehead but smiling proudly:

- Congratulations to everyone. It was perfect. We’ve accomplished something extraordinary tonight.

Orëlas, too, approached shyly, amazed:

- It was magnificent... I’ve never felt anything like it.