The rumble from the underground caverns echoed continuously.
Small debris fell from the ruins of Weitesten Gotteshaus.
The sky turned a purplish gray—
clouds moved against the wind, like time flowing backward.
Fitran and Rinoa stood in the middle of the Temple of Mount, trapped in the mystery enveloping the sacred place.
Ancient buildings surrounded them like silent guardians.
A dim light emitted from the remnants of lanterns hanging on the walls, casting dancing shadows around them, as if listening to the whispers of buried history and adding to the magical ambiance that enveloped this sacred site.
And amidst the three main structures,
the ground began to split open.
Not collapsing.
But opening.
From the opened crevice,
a giant tree slowly emerged.
Its surface gleamed, resembling a blend of wood and Void crystal.
A mysterious vibration filled the air, signaling that this presence was more than just physical; veins of power radiated from the tree, pulsing in a harmonious rhythm that stirred the senses, inviting them to delve into the profound spiritual presence of this location.
Unbeknownst to them, it was as if an invisible shroud concealed their awareness. The giant tree stood right before them.
The scent of damp grass and fertile soil filled the air, offering a deep aroma of life.
The tree has stood there for thousands of years, hidden beneath the surface.
It is not a new growth —
but rather, it awaits to be discovered.
Its trunk rises endlessly,
towering above the Temple of Mount,
piercing through the clouds,
and vanishing into the heavens.
As if each fiber were a thread in the tapestry of fate, connecting every being with primordial power.
At its peak — no longer visible to the ordinary eye —
the tree touches the interplanetary space.
Its roots have spread across the world,
traversing continents, seas, and even into the depths of the Void itself.
"This..."
Rinoa fell silent, her breath caught in her throat.
"This is not an ordinary tree."
Rinoa trembled, captivated by the energy radiating from the tree. The strength and wisdom contained within it seemed to want to speak, and only those willing to listen could truly understand.
"This is the Tree of Life."
Height: Immeasurable, its peak surpasses the atmosphere, piercing the orbit of the planet.
The bark is a combination of ancient wood, Void stone, and blue-green crystals that emit a soft glow, as if holding ancient secrets that can only be read by the chosen souls, thereby enhancing the wonder and aesthetics of this legendary tree.
The leaves: Gently shining like tiny stars, each leaf emits a harmonious sound as the wind brushes against it, creating a magical melody that flows through the atmosphere, inviting all beings to listen to the stories told by the wind.
The roots not only spread within the Temple of Mount but also extend across the world, weaving through Stones, Gaia, Earth, and even the ruins of Gamma. Underground, the roots intertwine, as if whispering to one another, forming a network that connects the hearts and minds of every living being, reminding all of their shared existence and creating an unbreakable bond among diverse forms of life.
"This is the axis of the world," whispered Fitran, his eyes shining with a newly born depth of understanding.
"From this tree, all magic in the world flows."
"This... is the reason the world possesses the will of magic."
Tree of Life is not just a physical tree; it is a manifestation of hope and emotion, the pinnacle of every quest and sacrifice.
It is a symbol of the will that unites living beings and the meaning of the world.
Around it, the air feels heavier, charged with swirling and pulsing energy, as if the world itself senses its presence. It serves as a bridge between the Void, Astral, and Material Reality. A beam of light radiates from its towering branches, causing the sky to seem ablaze with unimaginable colors, blending into a harmonious spectacle that evokes both awe and reverence.
Each branch and root represents the countless choices, sacrifices, and wills made by all living beings. In the silence, subtle sounds seem to resonate, narrating the stories of every soul that has risked everything to uphold existence and meaning, painting an invisible map in the sky above.
"If the Grand Cross signifies a new meaning," Rinoa said, "then this tree is the channel for that meaning, bringing life and all the intertwined experiences within it in unexpected ways."
"Thus, this tree is the vessel of that meaning."
As Fitran touched the bark of the tree,
the entire world vibrated slowly, resonating with a deep call to every corner of the earth, awakening long-forgotten memories like whispers from ancestors reminding that they had fought for something greater, something that might restart a new cycle.
In the Forest of Labyrinths, the fog ceased to move.
In the Plains of Gaia, the rivers reflected the shimmering light of the Tree of Life's leaves, as if every drop of water was made of glimmering stars. A gentle breeze carried the distant aroma of rare flowers, dancing among the giant trees. The rustling leaves whispered alongside the joyful echoes of creatures savoring this new atmosphere.
In Atlantis, the witches looked up with a mix of fear and awe, sensing the magical vibrations that filled the air. The turquoise sea sparkled with mystery, as if reminding them of the gathering power. With each heartbeat, they felt it blend with the rustling waves, creating a symphony of uncertainty.
In the ruins of Gamma, small glowing roots began to emerge from the ground, piercing through the earth with newfound vigor. Like gentle hands caressing the surface, these roots emitted a soft light that danced enticingly for every creature that passed by. In the stillness of the night, a soft sounds reminiscent of gentle singing called out to those nearby.
All living beings — humans, beastfolk, and even spirits —
could feel something:
a new will was flowing into the world.
However, not everyone sensed hope.
Some places began to experience dangerous resonance.
In dark corners, where light dared not enter, shadows danced with wicked enthusiasm. Within them, something ancient and forgotten stirred, rising from the dark mist. The scent of death and disappointment beckoned, causing some creatures to tremble in fear, oblivious to the new intentions brewing beyond their limits.
In Blue Earth, gravity begins to shift momentarily. From the solid ground, strange shrubs grow, trembling as if sensing the heartbeat of the world. Incomprehensibly, the wind's voice forms mysterious lyrics, promising an arrival that will change everything.
In the Gamma Rift, new cracks open among the ancient stones. It is as if the earth is splitting to reveal its deepest, most mysterious depths. Every fissure, every seed of hope severed from within, reaches toward a light shining from an unexpected direction.
In Atlantis, an Astral Theorist shouts as their star compass spins wildly, as if the stars themselves have a will of their own. Amidst the bewildered crowd, the faces of the sorcerers reflect fear and curiosity; they sense the thousands of possibilities that stretch before them, offering a mix of dread and hope.
On the coastal area, the sea begins to recede suddenly—a sign of the great wave to come. Fine white sand mingles among the footprints of wandering beings, and those who are sensitive can hear the whispers of the ocean, as if calling to prepare for the inevitable change.
"The Tree of Life does not only channel mana," Fitran said in a heavy voice.
"It also channels all meanings.
Including fear, denial, and unfinished will."
Rinoa took a step back.
For the second time that day,
she felt fear.
Not towards Fitran.
But towards the magnitude of the meaning they had invoked.
"We... cannot control all of this.
The meaning of the world does not belong to just two people."
Fitran nodded slowly, understanding the weight of the new will that had arisen.
"I know.
But a new will does not mean control.
It means... bearing the consequences."
"Even if this world ultimately rejects us."
The voice echoed from within the roots of the Tree of Life, resonating deeply within the souls of those who heard it.
It was not the voice of a human.
It was not the voice of the old guardian.
It was not the voice of a deity.
But... the voice of Gamma itself.
"If you have borne a new will...
Because the world will not accept a new will without the necessary sacrifice."
Because the world will not accept a new will without the final sacrifice."
"The meaning born from wounds...
The meaning born from wounds will be tested by even greater wounds, indicating that the journey towards understanding and transformation often requires inevitable sacrifice, highlighting the profound and intricate relationships that shape existence.
The ground trembles.
The sky shifts.
And from the vast hollow beneath the Temple of Mount, a mysterious form begins to rise, shaking and stirring the tension around it.
A shape is starting to emerge.
Something that has long been hidden...
The last guardian of Gamma's will.
The Tree of Life softly glimmers under the light of new stars.
Its branches reach for the sky, surpassing the boundaries of space.
Its roots penetrate deep into the earth.
Surrounding this colossal tree, the wind whispers, as if delivering messages from the past, creating an atmosphere filled with mystery. After ages, ancient ruins become visible, cloaked in moss and vibrant flowers, as if nature seeks to reclaim what once was, while the gentle light of the Tree of Life casts dancing shadows on the ground, enhancing the illusion of movement that revives the rich history of the world's meaning.