The world around me pulsed with quiet life.
Tiny roots stretched through the soil like fingers, weaving a fragile network of hope through the ruins beneath the earth.
But hope alone wasn't enough.
Not in a world like this.
I needed strength.
I needed allies.
The [Sprout Summoning] ability shimmered softly within my mind, eager, waiting.
I concentrated, channeling purified mana into my core.
System Notification:
---
> Sprout Summoning Initiated.
Available Mana: [Low]
Available Templates: Basic Sproutling
---
A blueprint unfolded before me — a tiny creature, no larger than a rabbit, formed from pure mana and earth.
Round body, leafy limbs, glowing green eyes filled with innocence.
Basic Sproutling, the system had called it.
It wasn't much.
But it was a beginning.
I poured mana into the blueprint, willing it into existence.
The earth in front of me trembled.
A small bud pushed its way free from the soil, unfolding like a flower in fast motion.
And then... it moved.
"Chirrp!"
A squeaky, high-pitched sound echoed through the cavern.
The creature blinked up at me — or at least, in the direction of my core — its leafy arms waving excitedly.
For a moment, I was stunned.
It was alive.
I had created life.
"Chirrp!" it squeaked again, hopping in a tiny circle.
Its body radiated warmth, a piece of the Genesis Garden made flesh.
Emotion swelled inside me — pride, protectiveness, even awe.
This wasn't just magic.
It was a bond.
System Notification:
---
> New Unit Created: [Sproutling Lv. 1]
Loyalty: 100%
Abilities:
— Mana Detection (Basic)
— Root Tether (Basic)
---
The Sproutling nuzzled close, vines extending from its arms to brush against my roots.
I felt a jolt — a tether forming between us.
Not just a mental connection, but something deeper, spiritual.
I'm not alone anymore, I thought.
For the first time since awakening in this strange world, I truly smiled inside.
But the moment of peace didn't last.
Through my newly extended senses, I felt it —
a disturbance in the mana flow.
Distant, faint... but approaching fast.
Another Wild Mana Beast?
Or something worse?
I focused on the Sproutling, sending a mental command.
Scout.
The little creature straightened immediately, giving an enthusiastic nod.
Then it burrowed into the soft soil, moving swiftly like a squirrel through branches.
Through our tether, I saw flashes of its journey — twisting roots, broken stones, the lingering stench of corruption.
And then...
Movement.
A larger shape, gliding through the underground darkness.
Unlike the beast I'd fought before, this one moved with purpose.
Not wild rage — but cold, calculating hunger.
Its body shimmered faintly — a mass of tendrils woven into the shape of a hound.
Mana Hound.
And it wasn't alone.
Two more shadows slithered behind it, silent, patient predators.
Three enemies.
Stronger. Smarter.
They were hunting.
And their prey was me.
I tightened my control over the soil, gathering every drop of purified mana I could.
I had one Sproutling.
One fragile little ally.
Against three seasoned killers.
But I wasn't afraid.
No.
Something stronger filled me now — a fierce determination.
I won't let them destroy what I've started.
Not here. Not now.
"Chirrp!"
My Sproutling squeaked bravely through the tether, sending feelings of readiness, excitement, and trust.
I grinned in the darkness.
Let them come.
I was ready to fight for my future — root, leaf, and soul.