The alpha male Groove Guardian stood before me, his imposing presence casting a long shadow across the forest floor. Though he'd chosen a largely humanoid form, there was nothing remotely human about the power radiating from him. His skin—that deep bronze of ancient polished wood—seemed to pulse with inner light that followed the rhythm of the forest around us. The simple leaf-woven garment around his lower body shifted occasionally of its own accord, as if the leaves themselves were still alive and responding to their environment.
What struck me most was his crown of antlers—not mere protrusions but a living sculpture that mirrored The Groove Canopy itself in miniature form. Each branch twisted with geometric precision, some terminating in softly glowing buds, others bearing tiny leaves that rustled without wind. The entire structure radiated power that made the air around him shimmer slightly, like heat waves rising from sun-baked asphalt.
I stood tall, shoulders squared. While he was daunting and would have sent most beings cowering, I wasn't most beings. In my mind, contingency plans had already begun forming—ways to "handle" him without risking his life if things went south. Not that I wanted conflict, but I wasn't naive enough to assume peaceful coexistence based solely on Codex's assurances.
In truth, Codex had called these beings allies, but that alliance had been with my variants, not with me. The distinction mattered. Even now, as his golden star-pupiled eyes assessed me with ancient intelligence, I maintained my wariness.
My trust in Codex himself hovered around forty percent—substantial enough to follow his guidance but insufficient to abandon caution. So far, he'd done nothing harmful, but in this strange world with its cosmic stakes, blind faith was a luxury I couldn't afford.
"Follow me," the Guardian instructed, his multi-toned voice resonating in ways human vocal cords could never achieve. Each word carried harmonic overtones that seemed to vibrate through my bones rather than merely reaching my ears.
He turned and led me down what appeared to be the main path through the settlement. The pathway beneath our feet was composed of living moss that glowed softly where we stepped, leaving luminous footprints that faded slowly behind us. Overhead, branches from the massive trees wove together to form a natural canopy, dappling the ground with patterns of emerald-gold light.
As we walked, the village's activity ground to a partial halt. Groove Guardians of all ages and forms paused in their tasks, their attention fixing on me with laser focus. Their reactions spanned the emotional spectrum—wonder and curiosity from the youngest ones, abject shock from others, and undisguised anger from many of the elders.
One particularly large Guardian standing near a structure woven from living branches visibly bristled as we passed, the fur along his spine rising like hackles, the markings across his coat flaring with amber light. I felt the surge of hostility like a physical wave and subtly adjusted my stance to respond if necessary. The alpha male noticed this minor confrontation and emitted a low, rumbling sound that caused the hostile Guardian to lower his gaze and step back.
"You must forgive them," the alpha said without turning back to face me. "Few humans have ever entered this place, and those who tried rarely had benevolent intentions."
I nodded, understanding perfectly. Humans on Gaia, like humans on Earth, had likely built their civilization at the expense of other species. The resentment was justified and predictable.
"I'm not expecting a welcome party," I replied evenly.
As we progressed deeper into the settlement, the dwellings grew more elaborate, some spiraling up the massive trees in graceful helices, others nestled among root systems large enough to house entire families. What struck me was how everything here existed in symbiosis—nothing taken without something given in return, nothing destroyed without being transformed into something new.
The path gradually cleared of onlookers as we approached what appeared to be the heart of the village. Ahead stood the largest tree I had yet seen—a titan that dwarfed even the enormous specimens throughout The Groove Canopy. Its trunk must have been at least fifty meters in diameter, rising to heights lost in the misty canopy above. The bark wasn't merely wood but a living tapestry of patterns that shifted subtly as we approached, like ripples across water.
At the base of this colossal tree stood a structure that could only be described as a shrine. Unlike the organic, flowing forms of the Guardians' dwellings, this structure displayed deliberate architectural intention—a temple composed of carefully arranged stones, living wood that had grown into precise archways, and crystalline formations that caught and multiplied the ambient light.
The entrance was flanked by two enormous Guardian sentinels, both in their semi-humanoid forms but maintaining the massive stature of their beast aspect. Their antler crowns were smaller than the alpha's but more densely branched, and the runic patterns in their fur glowed with steady, vigilant power. Their expressions hardened as they saw me approach, their stance shifting subtly into greater alertness.
"Relax, you two," the alpha said, his tone carrying unmistakable authority. "It might seem odd, but Goddess Yddra has ordered his presence."
The guards exchanged quick glances, their discomfort evident. The alpha continued, "Besides, if anything happens, do you honestly think that I and the goddess won't be able to handle him? He's a human after all, albeit a slightly stronger one..." He glanced back at me, his star-pupiled eyes narrowing slightly in what might have been amusement or assessment.
*Yeah, right. Handle me? I pray it doesn't come to that,* I thought, maintaining a neutral expression despite the internal eye-roll. If he only knew what I'd become during my cultivation...
The guards stepped aside, though their posture remained rigid with tension. The alpha led me toward the entrance—a doorway that appeared to open into absolute darkness, a void so complete it seemed to swallow the light around it.
We stepped through this threshold, and the world transformed. The darkness was momentary, giving way to an interior space that defied the apparent size of the structure from outside. The shrine's inner chamber was vast, circular, with a domed ceiling at least thirty meters high. The floor was polished stone inlaid with intricate patterns of living metal that gleamed with soft, golden light.
Stone columns carved with scenes from what I assumed was Guardian history lined the perimeter, each one seemingly alive with shifting patterns that made the carved figures appear to move when viewed from the corner of one's eye. Between these columns hung tapestries woven from materials I couldn't identify—not fabric, not vegetation, but something that seemed to capture and hold light within its threads.
Crystal formations grew from the ceiling, each one emitting a different colored light that combined to create an atmosphere of perpetual sunset within the chamber. The air smelled of ancient wood, fresh earth, and something sweeter—a scent like honey but more complex, with undertones of spice and wildflowers.
But what dominated the space was the massive tree trunk that rose through the center of the chamber—the same enormous tree we had approached, now revealed to continue directly through the shrine. Its bark here was smoother, polished by what must have been centuries or millennia of reverent touch. Patterns flowed across its surface—not crude carvings but what appeared to be the tree's natural patterns, enhanced and deliberate, telling stories in a language I couldn't read but could somehow sense the importance of.
The alpha male approached this central trunk, then dropped to his knees before it in a posture of complete submission—head bowed, antler crown nearly touching the floor, arms extended with palms upward. The gesture caught me off guard, not because of the reverence itself but because of the vulnerability it represented. For a being of his power to present himself in such a defenseless posture spoke volumes about whatever deity he worshipped.
I remained standing, alert and ready. My subcores were primed, prepared to cast a mana domain and several intuitive space spells that would give me absolute dominance over whatever situation might develop. Years of learning from my variants had taught me to prepare for betrayal even from the most seemingly benevolent allies.
"O goddess..." the alpha intoned, his voice reverberating through the chamber. "As ordered, I bring before you the human you asked for.... Please do remember the agreement we had..."
That last part piqued my interest. An agreement? Involving me? The implications were concerning, to say the least.
For nearly two minutes, absolute silence reigned. I stood motionless, every sense heightened, my soul sense extending outward to map the energies of the space. Then I detected it—a distinct movement of energy from below. My attention shifted downward, where I detected ripples of life and earth mana surging from the roots at the base of the tree trunk, flowing upward through its massive form.
The tree was awakening.
I subtly adjusted the attack and defense formations pre-cast within my subcores, ready to unleash devastation at the slightest provocation. The energy convergence intensified, and I noted spatial fluctuations rippling through the chamber—a manipulation of space-time that would have been imperceptible to most beings but was clear to my enhanced perception.
The massive trunk before us trembled, the convergence of energies reaching a critical point. Then, with a sound like a deep, satisfied sigh, the trunk split vertically along its center. The separation created a seed-shaped gateway that swirled with vibrant green, deep brown, and distinct purple energies—life, earth, and spatial mana working in concert to create a passage that should have been impossible.
From within this swirling portal, a voice whispered—feminine, ancient, and carrying authority that made even my reconstructed cells resonate in response.
"Enter..."
The alpha Guardian rose from his position and, without checking whether I would follow, stepped through the gateway. His task complete, he appeared unconcerned with my decision.
"Codex, I hope I don't regret this," I muttered, and then, without waiting for a response from my silent companion, I stepped through the portal.
I moved with deliberate caution, senses extended to their maximum, anticipating possible ambush from every angle. My variants had taught me well: even the most seemingly benevolent allies could turn treacherous in an instant. The memories of their experiences with betrayal flashed through my mind, reinforcing my vigilance.
The portal's interior was a tunnel of swirling energies—the same life, earth, and spatial mana I'd identified earlier. Looking back, I noticed the entrance remained open, as if whoever had created it understood my cautious nature and was deliberately maintaining an escape route. This apparent consideration did nothing to lower my guard as I proceeded down the short passage.
As I advanced, the swirling energies gradually solidified into a more conventional tunnel formed of packed earth, with vines growing overhead and descending nearly to the floor. Light filtered in from the far end, growing brighter with each step. I followed this illumination, my hand never straying far from the hilt of my sword.
The tunnel opened into a space so breathtaking it momentarily disrupted my tactical focus. I'd stepped into a vast cavern that housed a single, magnificent tree—but to call it merely a "tree" would be like calling a supernova a "light."
The cavern itself was enormous, perhaps three hundred meters in height and wide enough to comfortably contain the tree at its center. Ancient and powerful formations lined the walls, their complex patterns visible to my mystical senses though their purpose remained unclear for now.
The tree at the center defied conventional description. Its trunk rose at least fifty meters before branching out into a canopy that seemed to touch every corner of the cavern. Unlike the woody brown of normal trees, this specimen's bark was a deep, rich purple that seemed to contain its own inner light. The texture was smooth yet intricate, with swirling patterns that resembled galaxies and nebulae embedded within the surface.
The branches curved with impossible grace, each one perfectly balanced against its counterparts, creating a three-dimensional mandala of living wood. From these branches hung cascades of leaves and blossoms that glowed with bioluminescent pink and purple light. The effect was reminiscent of cherry blossoms from Earth's Japan, but these petals emitted their own gentle radiance, casting the entire cavern in a dreamlike pink-purple glow.
The roots of this magnificent organism extended outward from the trunk in perfect symmetry, some diving deep into the earth while others created intricate patterns across the cavern floor—natural mandalas that pulsed subtly with life energy.
What truly captured my attention, however, were the four figures positioned before the tree. The alpha male Guardian stood protectively beside his mate—the female who had confronted me outside their domain. In her arms lay the injured young Guardian, now wrapped in living vines that extended from the great tree. These vines pulsed with healing energy that I could perceive even without actively using my mystical senses.
The mother's face was a mask of barely contained fury, her eyes boring into me with undisguised hostility. The father's earlier friendly demeanor had similarly vanished, replaced by cold, watchful vigilance. The message was clear: they tolerated my presence only under duress.
But it was the fourth figure that truly commanded attention—the being who stood before the magnificent tree, connected to it by vines that extended from the trunk and merged seamlessly with her form.
She appeared, at first glance, to be a stunningly beautiful woman with curves that would have made the most celebrated Earth models envious. But closer inspection revealed her inhuman nature. Her hair wasn't hair at all but living vines that flowed from her scalp down past her shoulders, some connecting directly to the tree behind her. Similar vines emerged from her lower back and wrapped around her waist, creating a living belt that pulsed with the same rhythm as the tree's glowing leaves.
Her skin was a rich, dark brown that gleamed like polished hardwood in the ethereal light, yet it appeared soft and yielding rather than rigid. Her face was a masterpiece of symmetry—high cheekbones, full lips that curved into a serene smile, and eyes that held me transfixed. Those eyes were her most inhuman feature—irises the color of fresh leaves with pupils that resembled tiny galaxies, stars swirling in miniature cosmos.
She wore what appeared to be a gown woven from living leaves and flower petals, the fabric (if it could be called that) shifting subtly with her breathing. Each movement caused ripples of bioluminescence to cascade through the material, as if the dress itself were alive and responding to her.
"Greetings, young Ryan," she said, her voice melodious and layered, as if multiple voices spoke in perfect harmony. "Welcome to my humble domain. I do hope you've had a leisurely entry."
The fact that she knew my name wasn't surprising—Codex had likely informed her—but something in her tone suggested a familiarity that went beyond mere introduction.
"It wasn't that bad, I guess," I replied, deliberately casual as I disabled one—but only one—of my ready spells in my subcores. "Since you know my name, could you kindly inform me of yours?"
My polite inquiry seemed to please her, her smile widening to reveal teeth that resembled small, perfect white pearls.
"My name is Yddra, the protector and guide of all living organisms within the mortal plane of this particular universe," she began, pausing as if to let me absorb the significance of her title.
I maintained a neutral expression, unwilling to display the awe she clearly expected. "And? You simply didn't expect me to be awed with such a title, no?"
Her smile grew even wider at my response, taking on an almost predatory quality that sent a chill down my spine despite my power. The Guardian parents, meanwhile, bristled with barely contained rage at my perceived disrespect, their auras flaring with murderous intent.
"Calm down, you two," Yddra said without turning to look at them. "Even if you'd want to do something, there's absolutely nothing within your power as the strongest demigods of Gaia that you can even do to come close to the subtle barrier his coat even provides. I mean, you can try, but he'll simply knock you out."
The Guardians' aggressive auras dissipated instantly, replaced by shock. My own surprise matched theirs—the defensive properties of my coat were thoroughly camouflaged, yet she'd identified them effortlessly. Either her perception far exceeded my expectations, or she had prior knowledge she shouldn't possess.
She turned back to me, those galaxy eyes fixing me with an intensity that felt like a physical touch. "You are right, young lord," she said, the formal address catching me completely off guard. "I know it might be confusing, but please rest assured... I and my other selves truly mean no harm. If anything, we desperately seek your help."
She straightened slightly, vines adjusting to her new posture, and continued with a formality that suggested ritual. "My name is Yddra, one of many fragments of the Nova Primordial Yggdrasil. Pleasure to make your acquaintance, dear Guardian."
Her smile remained benevolent, but I no longer saw it as such. The implications of her words—fragments, Nova Primordial, and most disturbingly, addressing me as "Guardian"—suggested knowledge she could only have obtained from my variants.
*Well, shit*, I thought, mentally sighing. *This makes my life much more complex. Didn't think I'd be working on a last wish from my variants this early.*
*Haah, curse those bastards for giving me this workload, goddammit...*