The city of Elyndra hummed with its usual vibrancy. The towering spires of elven architecture glistened under the perpetual twilight that illuminated their realm. Magic flowed visibly through the streets, appearing as shimmering streams of light that connected every building and powered the city. Elyndra was a marvel of magical and natural harmony, but its beauty had become bittersweet to Nova in recent years. The decay of the Aetheril World Tree had begun to seep into the very essence of the city, its once-bright magic dimming in subtle, almost imperceptible ways.
Nova stared out from her desk and looked out to the large arched window that overlooked the city. Her reflection stared back at her, a blend of determination and uncertainty etched on her delicate features. Her silver-blonde hair caught the faint glow of the magic lights outside, giving her an almost ghostly appearance.
“Thank you, user Milton, your upgrade token is now processing. Thank you for your service, and enjoy your upgrade. Have a great day,” Nova said, her voice maintaining its usual cheerful cadence as the system window flickered closed. The bright professionalism faded from her expression, replaced by a subtle weariness. She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the desk, and exhaled softly, her shoulders slumping.
“Long customer?” her friend Alice asked with a smirk, her tone light and teasing as she observed Nova.
Nova looked over at her, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Alice’s long, dark honey-brown hair fell in soft waves down to her waist, catching the light with a rich, golden sheen. Her eyes, vibrant forest green, sparkled with a lively intelligence, framed by thick lashes that enhanced their depth. Her skin was fair and smooth, almost porcelain-like, with a subtle glow that added to her ethereal appearance.
As an elf, Alice’s features were finely chiselled—high cheekbones, a slender nose, and a delicate jawline that gave her an air of regal elegance. Her ears, gracefully pointed, were adorned with intricate silver earrings that dangled just below the lobe, adding a touch of sophistication to her look. She carried herself with a natural poise and fluidity, every movement exuding quiet confidence and timeless grace. Alice’s attire complimented her appearance, often favouring flowing garments in shades of emerald green and deep browns, which not only highlighted her eyes but also reflected her connection to nature.
“Someone has to be,” Alice teased, her tone playful but laced with genuine concern. “Especially with how you throw yourself into everything. Speaking of which, how are things with Steven?”
Nova let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. “You always manage to go straight for the jugular, don’t you?” She paused, her gaze drifting to her pendant—a crescent moon that pulsed faintly against her chest, as if in tune with her thoughts. “Things with Steven are… complicated,” she admitted, her voice quieter. “But that’s not exactly new.”
Nova had an ethereal presence, embodying the grace and mystique often associated with elves. Her long, silver-blonde hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, catching the light with a subtle, shimmering quality, almost as if infused with stardust. Her skin was fair, with a soft, pearlescent glow, giving her an otherworldly appearance.
Her eyes were a deep, luminescent blue, reminiscent of a clear night sky filled with stars, reflecting both wisdom and an underlying curiosity. They were almond-shaped, with long, dark lashes that contrasted against her pale complexion. Her ears were slightly elongated, tapering to elegant points, adorned with delicate silver jewellery that twinkled faintly as she moved.
Nova’s attire blended traditional elven garb with modern, functional clothing suited for her role as a system guide. She wore a fitted, flowing robe in shades of midnight blue and silver, embroidered with intricate patterns resembling constellations. The fabric seemed to ripple like water, with a slight iridescence that shifted with her movements. Her boots were knee-high, made from supple, dark leather, and allowed her to move silently.
Around her neck, she wore a pendant shaped like a crescent moon, which pulsed faintly with a soft, bluish light. This pendant was not just an accessory but a symbol of her connection to the World Seed and her ability to influence the magical energies around her.
Alice’s smirk softened into a smile as she leaned back in her chair, her gaze never leaving Nova’s. “Complicated or not, I know you’ll figure it out. You always do.”
Nova sighed, her smile tinged with a hint of melancholy. “I hope so, Alice. I really do.”
As the two stood in silence, the distant sound of bells tolled through the city—a reminder of the ever-persistent flow of time. Nova turned her attention back to her desk, where the timer continued to count down. Nova looked over to Alice seeing her wide smile as she saw the concern in Nova’s eyes. “You know, you could always use a break. All this work and emotional turmoil can’t be good for you.”
Nova let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. Her silver-blonde hair shimmered faintly as it caught the light. “I appreciate the sentiment, Alice, but there’s so much to do,” she said, her voice carrying a note of resolve. “I’m not sure I even know how to take a proper break anymore.”
Nova shook her head, her expression thoughtful. “I appreciate the sentiment, but there’s so much to do—” Alice opened her mouth to respond, but a soft, melodic chime cut through the conversation, drawing Nova’s attention to her console. The soft blue glow from her crescent pendant reflected in her eyes as she glanced at the alert. Her expression shifted, the lightheartedness giving way to sharp focus. “Looks like I’ve got another request coming in,” she said, her tone taking on a professional edge.
“That’s unusual,” Alice remarked, her brows knitting together as she leaned closer. “They usually give you a few minutes to an hour between requests. What’s the rush?”
Nova’s slender fingers danced across the console, her movements precise and efficient. As more information loaded onto her screen, her brow furrowed. “What’s even stranger is that this request is coming directly from the system itself. It’s directed to me and me alone.” Her voice held a mix of curiosity and unease.
Alice’s green eyes sharpened with intrigue as she opened her own system interface. “When was the last time something like that happened?” she asked, quickly navigating through the records. “It’s rare for the system to bypass protocols like this.”
Nova didn’t answer immediately, her focus locked on the incoming data. “I’m not sure,” she murmured, her fingers tapping rhythmically as she sifted through the details. “But I don’t think this is a routine request.”
Alice’s screen populated with additional information as she searched the system. “I’ll cross-reference this. Let’s see... ‘Noah Stirling, of Earth.’” She glanced over her shoulder at Nova. “Who names their planet Earth?”
Nova snorted softly, pulling her chair closer to the console. “A planet named after dirt? Fascinating,” she said with a hint of dry humour. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she examined the data. “Still, it’s linked to a World Seed Upgrade Window. That’s not a connection I’ve seen before.”
Alice stood behind Nova, her attention shifting between their screens. “Earth isn’t even a registered system planet,” she muttered, her tone tinged with disbelief. “How is he accessing the system?”
Nova leaned back slightly, her expression thoughtful but tinged with concern. “I’m about to find out,” she said. With a deliberate breath, she activated the connection, her voice shifting to its polished, professional tone. “Welcome to the World Seed Upgrade Window, User Noah,” she said, ensuring her words carried the friendly warmth of a practised guide.
As the interface synced with Noah’s connection, Nova paused, her eyes catching on the displayed details. Her voice wavered slightly as she continued, “I see you have two Upgrade Tokens currently—congratulations on earning them!” She glanced toward Alice, mouthing silently, ‘Anything yet?’
Alice shook her head, her brow furrowed as she continued her search. “Nothing about Earth being integrated,” she whispered, “but this guy’s access is legit. It’s baffling.”
“Here you go! These are all the upgrades you can purchase so far,” Nova said, swiping to display all the available upgrade options without really looking at them herself.
Nova forced a smile, addressing Noah again. “Here you go! These are all the upgrades you can purchase so far,” she said, swiping to display the available options. She muted her mic and turned to Alice. “Anything else? He’s reviewing his options, so—”
“Stop!” Noah’s voice cut through suddenly, sharp and commanding.
Nova flinched slightly, snapping her attention back to the screen. Her eyes widened at the flood of upgrade options scrolling past—hundreds, no, thousands of items cascading in a dazzling display of light and colour. She instinctively paused the list, her gaze darting over options she didn’t even recognise.
“What in the stars...” Nova muttered under her breath, her fingers hovering above the console. The list of upgrades was unlike anything she’d encountered, including items with cryptic names like:
Nova muted herself again, leaning toward Alice. “I’ve never seen an upgrade list like this before. It’s absurdly long, and some of these names...” She trailed off, shaking her head.
Alice’s green eyes widened as she stared at the list. “It’s not just long—it’s impossible,” she said in a low voice. “These are upgrades reserved for...” She hesitated, her words hanging heavily in the air. “...for something far beyond standard system permissions.”
Nova took a deep breath, forcing her professional demeanour to return as she addressed Noah. “What’s wrong, Noah?” she asked, her tone calm despite the storm of thoughts racing through her mind.
“I don’t need a list this long,” Noah muttered, his voice tinged with irritation. “Just show me what you recommend I need right now, please... Miss System?”
Nova’s cheeks flushed faintly at the polite title, and she cleared her throat, tapping a command to generate a prioritized list. “Oh, sorry about that, Noah! And please, call me Nova,” she said, her tone slipping into a lighter, more personable cadence. As the system refined the options, she felt Alice’s hand on her shoulder.
“We need to figure out what’s happening here,” Alice murmured, her voice tinged with urgency. “This is beyond anything we’ve ever seen.”
“I’ve shortened the list to ten items you may need right now,” Nova explained, her tone shifting into a more professional cadence. “The first five are essential, while the last five are useful but can wait.”
Muting her microphone, Nova leaned back slightly, turning to Alice with a questioning look. “What’s going on? I’ve never seen an upgrade list that long before,” she whispered, her voice tinged with both wonder and unease.
Alice glanced at her own display, her green eyes narrowing as she cross-referenced data streams. “While you’ve been guiding your very peculiar customer, I’ve been digging,” she murmured, her voice low. “I still can’t find anything on him—or his planet. There are no records of this Earth. It’s never connected to the system nor any plans for it to be connected to the system. But somehow, he’s patched in as though it’s standard.”
Nova’s lips pressed into a thin line, her thoughts racing as she tried to process Alice’s revelation. The soft hum of Noah’s interface activity filled her headset, grounding her as she adjusted her focus back to the present.
“I’ll purchase the Inventory Expansion, please,” Noah’s voice called out suddenly, cutting through her thoughts. Nova straightened in her chair, her hand instinctively tapping the confirmation prompt on her console.
“Good choice, Noah!” she replied, her voice bright and steady. “Let me pull up all the available upgrade options for your current level of inventory.” She swiped across her screen, displaying a carefully curated list of enhancements for him to choose from.
“Take your time, Noah,” Nova continued, injecting a warm, reassuring tone into her words. “There’s no rush. Each option has its own benefits, so select the one that aligns best with your needs right now.”
As Noah examined the choices, Nova felt Alice’s gentle touch on her shoulder. She turned slightly, her eyes meeting Alice’s serious gaze.
“I was somewhat able to locate his planet,” Alice whispered, her tone laced with both triumph and disbelief. “Earth isn’t in the known record of star systems or universe systems, and yet his world doesn't even have World Seed” She paused, her brow furrowing as she added, “ So this shouldn’t be possible.”
Nova’s heart quickened. “How could he even access the system if Earth isn’t integrated? It doesn’t make sense,” she whispered back, her mind scrambling for answers. Before Alice could respond, Noah’s voice cut through their hushed conversation.
“Nova,” he said, the sound of her name leaving his lips carrying a subtle weight. He hesitated briefly before continuing, “What can you tell me about the Seed Inventory?”
Nova blinked, forcing herself to focus as she pulled up the relevant information. Her fingers danced across the console, calling up data streams that expanded in clean, glowing lines across her screen. “Certainly, Noah!” she began, her voice regaining its polished rhythm. “The Seed Inventory is designed to enhance your efficiency and management of all the seeds you acquire. Here’s what you need to know: it will automatically categorize and store any seeds you collect, freeing up your main inventory space and allowing you to manage your resources more effectively. Additionally, it provides detailed information about each seed, including growth conditions, potential yields, and even magical properties.”
As she spoke, her eyes flicked toward Alice, who had crossed her arms and was staring at the screen with a deepening frown. Nova quickly muted her mic again, taking a moment to gather her thoughts. “This isn’t normal, Alice,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “A non-system planet connecting... and now a request like this?”
Alice nodded slowly, her face a mask of concentration. “I know. Keep your cool. We’ll figure it out after you finish this interaction.”
A soft chime interrupted their whispered exchange. The token transfer was complete.
Nova unmuted herself, her voice regaining its cheerful lilt. “There you go!” she said brightly. “Your inventory has been upgraded! You should notice the new features immediately.”
“Thanks, Nova,” Noah replied, his voice steady but carrying a faint note of relief. The warmth in his tone was subtle but genuine, and Nova found herself smiling despite the strange undercurrents of the situation.
“Anytime, Noah,” she replied smoothly, a small flicker of pride in her voice. “I’m here whenever you need me.”
“Is there anything else I can assist you with today?” Nova asked, her tone remaining inviting, even as she mentally prepared for the next task.
“No, I’ll ask for some help later, but how do I talk to you again?” Noah inquired, his curiosity evident. Nova tilted her head slightly, surprised that he didn’t already know the answer to that.
“Whenever you need assistance, simply say ‘Nova’ in the ‘System’ upgrade menu,” she explained patiently. “I’ll be here to help you with any queries or tasks you have. Have a great day, Noah!”
As her connection with Noah briefly dimmed, Nova leaned back in her chair, exhaling softly. The weight of the encounter lingered in her chest, stirring both curiosity and apprehension. Alice’s quiet presence beside her felt like an anchor, grounding her amidst the uncertainty.
“This Noah Stirling... He’s connected to something much bigger than we realize,” Nova murmured, her words more to herself than to Alice.
“And now,” Alice added, her voice sharp but thoughtful, “so are you.”
Alice arched an eyebrow, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern. “That was... different,” she remarked, her voice low.
Nova nodded, her thoughts lingering on the unusually long upgrade list and the peculiar nature of the request. “It’s not every day you get a request like that,” she admitted, her voice thoughtful. “Something about this feels... off, but I can’t quite put my finger on it.”
Alice frowned, crossing her arms. “We need to keep an eye on this. There’s more to this ‘Noah’ and his planet than we realize.”
Nova nodded in agreement, the weight of responsibility settling on her shoulders. “I’ll make sure to keep tabs on him.”
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With a shared understanding, they both stood up, heading towards the staff room. As they entered, the familiar scent of Chiloak tea filled the air—a calming blend known for its soothing properties. Steven was already there, his back turned as he carefully poured the steaming liquid into a cup.
“Oh hey, Steven,” Alice greeted, her tone light as she glanced over at Nova, who seemed lost in thought.
Steven turned around, a warm smile on his face as he acknowledged Alice. “Oh hey, Alice,” he responded, but his smile faltered slightly when his eyes landed on Nova. A wince flashed across his features, barely noticeable but enough for Alice to catch.
“Hey, Steven,” Nova said softly, trying to match his smile, though her mind was still partly occupied with the strange encounter with Noah.
Steven turned around, a warm smile on his face as he acknowledged Alice. “Oh hey, Alice,” he responded, but his smile faltered slightly when his eyes landed on Nova. A wince flashed across his features, barely noticeable but enough for Alice to catch.
Steven opened his mouth as if to say something, then hesitated. Instead, he picked up his cup, his brows furrowed in thought.
“Hey, Steven,” Nova said softly, trying to match his smile, though her mind was still partly occupied with the strange encounter with Noah.
Steven hesitated for a moment, his gaze flicking between Nova and Alice as if searching for the right words. “Everything okay?” he finally asked, his voice tinged with concern as he placed the cup down on the counter.
Alice exchanged a quick glance with Nova before replying. “Just a long day,” she said, trying to brush it off with a casual tone. “You know how it is.”
Nova nodded in agreement, though her expression betrayed her lingering unease. “Yeah, just... a lot on my mind,” she added, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of the pendant she wore.
Steven’s eyes softened as he took in her demeanour. “If you need to talk, I’m here,” he offered gently, his earlier hesitation replaced with genuine concern.
Nova smiled at his sincerity, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Thanks, Steven,” she said, her voice sincere but still weighed down by the day’s events.
Alice, sensing the tension, decided to lighten the mood. “So, what’s the occasion for Chiloak tea today, Steven?” she asked with a playful grin, trying to steer the conversation into more familiar and comforting territory.
Steven chuckled, grateful for the change in topic. “No special occasion, really,” he replied, his shoulders relaxing a bit. “Just thought I could use a little pick-me-up after a long day.”
Alice grabbed two cups, pouring one for herself and another for Nova. “Well, it’s a good thing you did,” she said, handing a cup to Nova. “We could all use a little boost.”
Nova accepted the cup with a grateful smile. “Thanks, Alice,” she said softly, taking a sip and feeling the warmth spread through her. “This is just what I needed.”
Alice took a seat next to Nova, her own cup cradled in her hands. “You know, it’s not every day we get to just sit and relax like this,” she remarked, her tone light. “We should make it a regular thing.”
Steven nodded in agreement as he took a sip of his tea. “I’m all for that. A little downtime never hurt anyone.”
The three of them sat in companionable silence for a few moments, savoring the warmth of the tea and the brief respite from their busy day. The quiet hum of the staff room and the shared sense of camaraderie made the moment feel like a small oasis of calm amidst the usual chaos.
Nova allowed herself to relax, her earlier worries momentarily forgotten. She was about to say something to break the silence when a chime broke it for her. Glancing at her system interface, she saw a request from Noah coming in again.
“That was quick,” Nova remarked, looking over at Alice.
Alice raised an eyebrow. “He must’ve figured out something else he needs.”
Steven sipped his tea, unaware of the specifics but picking up on the shift in Nova’s demeanor. “Sounds like you’re in for another round of surprises,” he joked, trying to keep the atmosphere light.
Nova nodded, her professional tone returning. “Looks like it. Time to see what’s on his mind now.”
Nova and Alice left the staff room, holding their teas as they made their way back toward Nova’s desk. The gentle clinking of their cups filled the hallway, a small reminder of the brief respite they had just shared. As they approached her workspace, Nova took a deep breath, preparing herself for whatever request awaited her. Alice stayed by her side, offering silent support, their earlier camaraderie now replaced with focused determination.
Nova sat down and activated her screen. As it turned on, Alice grinned and teased, “Go get him, girlfriend,” winking at Nova, who giggled in response.
“Got to say, Noah, you don’t mess around!” Nova said, pressing the scan button on her display, this time activating the environment scanner as well.
“Are you here for an upgrade, or...” Nova trailed off as the scan blinked green, and a notification appeared: ‘World Tree detected nearby User Noah. Scanning for connection… Scan completed. Connected to Noah. Bond forming, connection to the system established. Recommended action: Guide Noah and World Tree. Species: Elysian World Tree. Warning: Previously thought extinct species of World Seed detected. Error: Further information blocked by system.’
Nova’s mind raced. “WHERE DID YOU GET A WORLD SEED FROM?” she suddenly yelled, shock and curiosity overwhelming her. The Elysian World Tree was believed to have died out during the Great Plague of System Day 29 BSA.
“Whoa, whoa, calm down!” Noah replied as Nova took a deep breath. Alice dropped her cup of tea as she saw the scan results.
“Noah, you have a World Seed!” she exclaimed concern mixing in her voice. “How can I not be calm? Do you have any idea how incredibly rare and powerful a World Seed can be?” She paused for a moment, her tone growing more serious. “It’s not just something that appears—it's the foundation of entire ecosystems, capable of shaping and transforming the environment around it. You could practically create a new world with this, or even restore a world that’s been ravaged by darkness or devastation.”
She recalled when World Seeds suddenly began to die out—a tragedy in the making. The few seeds or trees that remained were closely guarded, and only those with high standing were permitted to plant new World Trees or protect the surviving ones. Yet, something had struck them, causing them to wither away slowly, one by one.
catching her breath as she reread the screen in front of her. A chill ran down her spine, though the air around her was warm. “An Elysian World Tree…” she whispered, her voice tinged with awe and disbelief.
Alice leaned closer, her expression shifting from curiosity to shock. “Did you just say ‘World Tree’? Nova, that’s... that’s impossible.”
Nova nodded slowly, her gaze still fixed on the screen. “I know. But it’s right here. The system wouldn’t lie about something like this.”
Alice’s mind raced, her voice hushed. “What does it mean? What are we supposed to do?”
“I had no idea,” she heard Noah whisper. “So… what should I do with it?”
Nova took a moment to compose herself before responding, her voice steady with seriousness. “You’ll need to nurture it carefully. The World Seed has the potential to influence not just the land, but the very magic in the air. I’ll assist you in unlocking its potential, but be aware—every choice you make will have a lasting impact.”
“Alright, Nova. Let’s make sure I don’t mess this up. Tell me where to start,” Noah replied, but before Nova could continue, something unexpected flashed across her screen, visible only to her.
Then a chim dinged as Nova sat there in shock, her heart racing as she processed the new quest. She accepted it almost instinctively — a chance to revive their dying World Tree, Aetheril, a feat countless others had struggled with for untold centuries, but with such a failure of quest she had to take the risk. Then, a new window appeared on her screen, one she had never seen before.
"I can’t assist you from here," Nova sighed, feeling the weight of everything that was suddenly happening. "But since you have a World Seed growing, there are certain things you’re able to claim for free," she said, noting that the familiar office options were still available to him.
She swiped 50 tokens over to Noah and gave him a moment before continuing. "Now, I need you to listen very carefully to what’s going to happen next. This is a one-time opportunity that rarely occurs. For someone to guide the growth of a World Tree is almost unheard of." Her voice grew more serious. "I'm going to make a suggestion that will allow me to help you in person. You should have received a system window asking if you’d like me to come to your world. If you accept, not only will I be able to guide you more effectively, but I will also become a permanent resident of your world."
There was a lot riding on this quest, and helping the growth of a World Tree was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
A lot was riding on this quest, and helping the growth of a World Tree was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
"You mean… you could actually come here? Like, physically?" Noah asked with a sense of curiosity.
"Yes," Nova replied, her tone soft but firm. "In essence, I would manifest in your world. My presence would be tied to the World Seed and your world for at least two centuries, allowing me to guide you directly, rather than just through the interface. But remember, this is a one-time offer. If you decline, I won’t be able to offer this again." She waited, nervously fumbling with her fingers.
"Nova," Alice whispered, and Nova quickly muted herself, waiting for Noah's decision.
"Nova, what are you doing? Why are you offering to go—" Alice began, but Nova passed her accepted quest details to her best friend, whose mouth went wide in shock.
"You said this is rare—almost unheard of," Noah murmured, “and it could help the World Seed grow properly?”
"Yes," Nova unmuted herself to confirm. "I would be able to help guide the growth, manage the magical energies, and ensure the World Seed reaches its full potential. But the choice is yours, Noah. I won’t pressure you. Just know that whatever you decide, I’ll support you in the best way I can."
There was a long pause before the words she was waiting for came through.
"Yes." was the last she heard from him, as the system dimmed, and a countdown clock of two hours started to tick down at the top of her vision. Nova’s heart raced as she stared at the ticking clock, the reality of her situation sinking in like a heavy weight pressing down on her chest. Two hours. It felt both like a fleeting moment and an eternity. The urgency was palpable, and her hands trembled slightly as she tried to focus on the task ahead.
She turned to Alice, who stood nearby, her expression a blend of concern and curiosity. The dim light of the office cast shadows across Alice’s face, accentuating the rare solemnity in her usually teasing demeanor. “I need to go say my goodbyes,” Nova murmured, her voice tinged with a mix of urgency and sadness. Alice’s eyes softened, and for once, she simply nodded, her quiet support speaking volumes.
“In case I don’t see you again,” Nova said, her voice catching slightly, “I’ll contact you through the system when I can.” She stepped forward, pulling Alice into a heartfelt hug. The warmth of the embrace was grounding, a tether to the life Nova was preparing to leave behind. It was a gesture of both gratitude and sorrow. They had shared so many memories together—adventures, challenges, and countless moments of camaraderie. This farewell felt like the end of an era, and the thought made Nova’s throat tighten.
With a final squeeze, Nova reluctantly released her friend and turned to leave the office. A single tear escaped her eye, tracing a path down her cheek as she walked briskly down the hallway. Her footsteps echoed in the quiet corridors of the elf building, each step carrying her closer to an uncertain future. The walls, familiar and once comforting, seemed to close in on her now, amplifying the sense of urgency and finality.
Entering her dorm room, Nova was greeted by the familiar sight of cluttered bookshelves and personal belongings. The faint scent of lavender lingered in the air, a reminder of the calming incense she often burned while studying late into the night. The room was a reflection of her life here—a place where she had poured her heart and soul into her studies and her work. She moved with practiced efficiency, gathering her belongings with a heavy heart.
Her gaze fell upon a bluish-white crystal on her desk. It was a cherished keepsake, imbued with memories of her time at the academy. She picked it up gently, its cool surface a comforting contrast to the warmth of her hand. Injecting a small amount of mana into the crystal, it began to glow softly, projecting a slideshow of images and memories. Scenes from her years at the academy—her friends laughing, her achievements celebrated, and the quiet moments of reflection—played out before her eyes. As she watched, tears streamed down her face, unbidden. The memories were both beautiful and bittersweet, a reminder of what she was leaving behind.
After a few moments, she carefully stored the crystal away, her heart aching at the thought of parting with her past. She continued to pack, methodically gathering essential items: a pouch of enchanted seeds, a vial of protective potion, and an amulet for focusing her magic. The amulet, with its intricate designs and shimmering surface, felt cool against her fingers. It was a symbol of her strength and focus, grounding her amidst the whirlwind of emotions swirling within.
With her belongings packed, she took one last look around her dorm room. The quiet hum of enchantments protecting the space was almost imperceptible but familiar. Her heart felt heavy, weighed down by the significance of this departure. Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of her room and made her way to the courtyard. The crisp air outside felt colder than usual, as if mirroring her internal turmoil.
As she turned left towards the Aetheril World Tree, she was struck by the sight of its suffering. The once-majestic tree now appeared frail and withering, its branches drooping under the weight of a dark malaise. Blackish-purple lines pulsed intermittently along its bark, a visible sign of the corruption spreading through its core. The mana in the air was thick and sluggish, a reflection of the tree’s declining health. Nova’s heart ached at the sight. This tree was more than a symbol of her world—it was its lifeblood, and its current state was a stark reminder of the gravity of her mission.
“Nova!” a familiar voice called out, breaking through her thoughts. She turned to see her parents approaching, their faces etched with a mixture of confusion and concern. Their steady, reassuring presence felt like a balm to her frazzled nerves. They walked with purpose, their love and support evident in every step, and Nova felt a pang of guilt for what she was about to leave behind.
Eldric, his face etched with worry, joined in. “We thought you’d be at the office. What’s going on? Why are you crying, my little girl? is it that bastard Steven?” He reached out and wrapped Nova in a comforting hug, his strong arms providing a semblance of stability amidst her emotional turmoil.
Nova struggled to compose herself, her emotions threatening to overwhelm her. “I—I’ve…” she sighed, trying to find the right words. “It’s a long story, but no it isn't Steven dad, it's the system, the system gave me a new assignment.” Her voice was shaky, fraught with the weight of her task. “It’s a massive responsibility, and I needed to prepare. But I don’t know what I’ll need—I’m just… so overwhelmed.” She embraced her mother next, finding solace in her warmth.
“I was coming to say my goodbyes to you both,” Nova added, her voice choked with emotion as she stood in the dim, flickering light of the evening.
Lyra, with her silver hair softly illuminated by the glow, gently stroked her daughter’s hair, her own eyes misting over with unshed tears. She pulled Nova into a warm, lingering embrace, the scent of lavender and forest leaves enveloping her. “Oh, Nova,” she said softly, her voice trembling slightly. “We’re both so incredibly proud of you Nova. But remember, no matter where you go or what you do, we’re always here for you. Our hearts are with you every step of the way.”
Eldric, his tall figure shadowed against the backdrop of their small, ancient home, looked around with a wary glance, ensuring their private moment was not interrupted. His brow furrowed in concern as he focused on Nova, his voice low and urgent. “What is your assignment Nova and is it dangerous?” he asked, his tone serious and tinged with that of a father’s worry.
Nova took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her impending responsibility press heavily upon her chest. The gravity of the task seemed almost too much to bear, like a storm cloud threatening to burst. She hesitated, her eyes flickering with uncertainty, then drew herself up with renewed resolve. With a subtle gesture and a flicker of magic, she projected the quest details into the air between them, the swirling lights casting an ethereal glow on her determined face.
Eldric and Lyra’s eyes widened in astonishment as they read the glowing text that hovered before them. The quest’s specifics were laid out clearly: 'Travel to the world of Earth and assist Noah in nurturing the World Tree: Elysian. Reward: Revival of your home world tree: Aetheril.'
Lyra’s hand flew to her mouth, her breath catching in her throat. Her eyes widened in shock and awe. “A World Tree?” she whispered, her voice barely more than a breath. “That’s… that’s extraordinary. It’s a chance we could only dream of, but… the risks…” Lyra reread nova's quest with dreaded failure.
Eldric, still casting wary glances around, nodded gravely. “This is no small task, Nova. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but it comes with incredible risks. The weight of such a responsibility is immense. Are you sure you’re ready for this?”
Nova nodded her resolve hardening despite the trembling of her hands. “I have to be. The Aetheril tree… it’s dying. If I don’t do this, we might lose it forever. I can’t let that happen.”
Lyra took Nova’s hands in hers, her touch warm and comforting. She squeezed them gently, her eyes reflecting a mixture of pride and worry. “You’ve always been so brave and dedicated. We trust you to make the right choices. Just promise us you’ll take care of yourself, no matter what.”
Eldric stepped closer, his large hand resting reassuringly on Nova’s shoulder. “We know you’re capable, Nova. Your heart and spirit have always been your greatest strengths. And no matter what happens, we’ll be here, supporting you from afar. Remember, our love and belief in you are as boundless as the stars.”
With a final, heartfelt embrace, Nova felt the profound strength of her parents’ love bolstering her courage. As they parted ways, she turned once more to face the withering Aetheril tree, a renewed determination burning in her heart. The countdown clock continued to tick down, each second echoing the urgency of her quest.
As Eldric and Lyra watched their little girl walk away, the dam finally broke as Lyra began to cry, her tears falling freely down her cheeks. She clutched at Eldric’s arm, her voice trembling. “She’s carrying the fate of our world on her shoulders, Eldric. This isn’t right. Why did the system choose her? Why not an elder or someone knowledgeable in this field?”
Eldric, his own emotions hidden behind a mask of strength, pulled Lyra close, wrapping her in his arms. His strong frame, always a source of reassurance, now bore the cracks of worry etched deeply in his features. “I know, dear,” he murmured, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions within. “It isn’t fair, nor right of the system, but you know as well as we all do—the system doesn’t make mistakes. It chooses those destined for greatness.” He forced a small, bittersweet smile, his hand gently stroking her silver hair as she sobbed against his chest.
Lyra’s cries grew softer, her head resting against him as her shoulders shook with the weight of her grief. “She’s still our little girl,” she whispered, her voice cracking. “No parent should have to see their child bear such a burden. I just want to protect her.”
“And so do I,” Eldric replied, his tone firm yet tinged with sorrow. “But she is stronger than she knows. She carries not just the fate of Aetheril, but the strength of her lineage. She will rise to this challenge.”
Standing tall like a great elder tree, Eldric held his wife tightly, his unwavering presence a source of stability amidst the swirling uncertainty. Yet even that strength wasn’t enough to quell the ache in his heart. As they watched Nova’s figure grow smaller in the distance, the vibrant hues of the midnight afternoon gave way to an eerie darkness, the sky shifting as if mourning with them.
Eldric’s gaze lifted to the withering Aetheril World Tree. Its darkened branches seemed to droop even further under the weight of its corruption, the blackish-purple veins pulsing faintly like a dying heartbeat. He stepped forward, gently releasing Lyra, and knelt on the ground, his hand pressed firmly against the cool, magic-infused earth.
“Oh great World Tree, Aetheril,” Eldric intoned, his voice resonant and deep, carrying the weight of a prayer and a plea. “I ask of thee to provide a blessing to our Nova. Shield her in her greatest need. Strengthen her heart, guide her hands, and keep her safe as she walks this path.”
Lyra joined him, kneeling by his side, her hands clasped tightly together in fervent prayer. Her tears fell onto the soil, glimmering faintly with mana, as if even her sorrow could lend strength to their plea. Together, their voices rose in unity, the heartfelt supplications carrying through the heavy air around them.
The Aetheril tree seemed to stir faintly, its beleaguered branches shifting in the darkened sky. A soft, ethereal glow emanated from its core, dim but persistent, like a distant star refusing to be extinguished. Eldric and Lyra watched in silent awe, their hearts heavy yet buoyed by a fragile hope.
“She will succeed,” Eldric whispered, his voice breaking with emotion. “She must.”
They remained there, kneeling beneath the fading glow of the great tree, their prayers and tears mingling with the ancient earth, a testament to their love and unyielding faith in their daughter.
