When Orlen awoke, the "morning light" of the Root Layer had already subtly changed—the luminous fungi had shifted from the night's blue glow to a soft green light, announcing the beginning of a new day. He touched the amber pendant on his chest, recalling how throughout the night it seemed to whisper to him, and though he couldn't understand the content, that warm feeling still lingered in his heart.
Calmur appeared at the doorway: "Our training is about to begin, but first, you need to understand life in the Root Layer."
Orlen followed Calmur through the root network. Here, the "roads" were formed by gaps between the roots, and the luminous fungi on the walls changed color in response to passersby, as if acknowledging the presence of life.
"The biggest difference between the Root Layer and the upper layers," Calmur explained, "is not just the environment, but the way we connect with the Spirit Branch Tree. The upper layers obtain energy through photosynthesis, while we directly absorb original nutrients from the root system."
They arrived at an open space where dozens of Darkened State Residents sat around a root pond filled with thick amber-colored liquid.
"This is the morning feeding ritual," Calmur said. "We drink the 'Root Source' together, feel the pulse of the Spirit Branch Tree, and prepare for the day's work."
An older Darkened State Resident with skin nearly black and eyes flashing with golden light approached.
"This is Eliel, our elder, and a friend of Serra's," Calmur introduced.
Eliel lightly touched Orlen's cheek: "Serra's bloodline, without a doubt. But you also have the aura of the Forest Pendant tribe. Adelle has taught you well."
"Thank you," Orlen responded, "I don't know if I can meet everyone's expectations."
"It's not about expectations, child, but about possibilities. Your very existence is a link connecting the upper layers and the Root Layer."
During the morning feeding ritual, Orlen learned to immerse his palm in the amber-colored liquid before drinking. This "Root Source" was richer than last night's Root Honey, with a more pronounced sense of energy flow; he could almost see its circulation path within his body.
After the ritual, Calmur took him to the training ground—a circular space formed by intertwining roots, with luminous fungi on the walls forming patterns like the veins of the Spirit Branch Tree.
"First, we'll test your perception of the Spirit Branch Tree's energy," Calmur took an amber container from the wall. "This is concentrated Root Source. Try to feel its flow."
Orlen placed the container in his palm, and after concentrating, felt a faint pulsation, like a distant heartbeat.
"I feel it; it's pulsing."
Calmur nodded: "The energy of the Spirit Branch Tree has its own rhythm. Understanding and following this rhythm is the foundation of our lives."
In the following training, Orlen learned how to identify energy flow by touching roots; how to navigate the root network; how to move in a lightless environment by sensing energy. Each skill was challenging, but he showed talent beyond expectations.
"This is natural," Eliel explained during lunch break. "You have Serra's blood; she was the most outstanding energy sensor. Combined with Ms. Adelle's teachings, you've already subconsciously mastered many basics."
"Did you know my mother for long?" Orlen asked, eager to learn more about Serra.
A hint of nostalgia flashed in Eliel's eyes: "Since she was a child. Serra was different, unique even among Darkened State Residents. She could sense the most subtle changes in the Spirit Branch Tree, predict the direction of energy flows. More importantly, she had the rare cross-boundary ability—able to move freely between the Root Layer and upper layers without being affected."
"Like me?" Orlen carefully asked.
"Yes, but your potential may be greater. Serra merely possessed this ability, but you, child, you are a bridge between two worlds."
In the afternoon, Calmur asked Orlen to try directly extracting energy from the roots, the core ability of Darkened State Residents.
"Place your palm on the root, imagine a channel extending from the root throughout your entire body."
Orlen tried various methods, but there seemed to be a barrier in the root's energy, refusing to flow into his body. After several attempts, sweat beaded on his forehead, and his hands trembled slightly.
"Don't be discouraged," Calmur comforted him. "Darkened State Resident children usually need years to master this skill."
"But we don't have years," Orlen wiped away the sweat. "If the Gu Tribe's plan is progressing, every day is crucial."
Calmur and Eliel exchanged a glance, then nodded: "You're right. We need to try another approach."
He led Orlen through a secret passage to an area with older roots, covered with a silver film, the air filled with a scent like a forest after rain.
"These are the 'Primal Roots,' said to be where the Spirit Branch Tree first grew, containing the most primitive and powerful energy."
They stopped at a platform with a small pool at its center, containing liquid like molten amber, emitting golden light.
"This is the 'Primal Source,' purer than Root Honey or Root Source. Usually only elders can access it, but your situation is special, and time is pressing."
Orlen gazed at the pool, feeling an inexplicable attraction; the liquid seemed to call to him, like an old friend reunited after a long separation.
"Immerse your hand in it," Calmur said, "but be careful, the energy of the Primal Source is very powerful and may bring unexpected effects."
Orlen took a deep breath and extended his right hand toward the pool. When his fingertips touched the surface, an electric sensation instantly spread throughout his body, and his vision was filled with golden light.
In the light, he saw a woman—with amber-colored eyes like his, and skin as deep as the night. She stood beside a small Spirit Branch Tree, her hands gently caressing the trunk, her lips seemingly speaking something.
"Mother..." Orlen silently called out.
The woman seemed to hear him, turning to look directly at him across time and space, her eyes filled with love and concern, her lips moving silently as if transmitting a message.
Suddenly, the image distorted, and the woman was surrounded by the Gu Tribe. She shielded the small tree behind her, her palms emitting golden light to form a barrier blocking the Gu Tribe. Using this brief time, she turned to the tree, placing both hands on the trunk, and a golden energy flowed from her body into the tree. The small tree began to shrink, eventually becoming a seed. The woman took the seed into her palm, and then—
The image broke off, and Orlen was pulled back to reality, his legs weak. Had Calmur not supported him in time, he would have fallen to the ground.
"What did you see?" Calmur asked urgently.
"I saw my mother... and a small tree," Orlen said breathlessly. "She was surrounded by the Gu Tribe and turned the small tree into a seed..."
Calmur's expression became grave: "The Primal Source showed Serra's final memory fragment. This is much more than I expected. Your connection with the Spirit Branch Tree is deeper than I imagined."
The amber pendant on Orlen's chest suddenly grew warm, glowing faintly. He touched it and found the amber inside more fluid, flashing with light similar to the Primal Source.
"The Heart Core Fragment has been activated," Calmur said in surprise. "It's resonating with the Primal Source."
Orlen stared at the pendant, feeling an unprecedented connection: "I think I understand my mother's intention. She didn't hide the sprout somewhere, but turned it into a seed for easier carrying and concealment."
Calmur frowned: "But such a transformation requires enormous energy; even Serra couldn't accomplish it alone. Unless..."
"Unless she sacrificed her own life force," Orlen said softly. "One part she gave to me, the other she used to complete this transformation."
"That makes sense. But where is the seed now?"
Orlen closed his eyes, concentrating on the pendant's energy. A weak but clear guidance emerged: "Not in the Root Layer, not on the Leaf States, but somewhere in between. A connection point."
Calmur's eyes brightened: "The trunk junction point—where the main trunk connects with major branches. It belongs neither to the upper layers nor to the Root Layer; it's a neutral zone."
"That's where Ms. Adelle lives," Orlen realized. "Mother gave the seed to her, and she built our home near the seed, secretly guarding it all along."
Calmur nodded, his expression becoming determined: "We must act quickly. If my inference is correct, the Gu Tribe has already realized the seed's existence, which is why they're acting ahead of schedule."
"We need to go back," Orlen said, a new determination rising in his heart. "Back to Ms. Adelle's dwelling, find the seed, and then..."
"Then complete your mother's unfinished work—find a safe place to let the seed grow, cultivate a second Spirit Branch Tree."
Orlen stood up from the pool's edge, feeling new power flowing within him. The energy of the Primal Source still circulated, each heartbeat sending it to all parts of his body, awakening dormant potential.
"We'll depart before sunrise tomorrow," Calmur said. "Now, you need to rest and conserve your strength. The journey will be perilous, with both the Gu Tribe and upper layer forces potentially becoming obstacles."
Orlen nodded, but his heart was no longer at peace. He returned to his resting place, sat quietly on the edge of the bed, his fingers lightly stroking the amber pendant. With each touch, he could feel a faint pulse, like a gentle calling.
The seed, the hope for a second Spirit Branch Tree, was near Ms. Adelle's dwelling. This discovery both excited and worried him. If the Gu Tribe had also deduced this, his foster mother might already be in danger.
He recalled Ms. Adelle's small cabin and how over the years she had always specially tended to an area behind the house, never allowing him near. At the time, he thought it was some taboo of the Forest Pendant tribe, but now everything made sense.
Orlen needed to return quickly, not only to find the seed but also to protect Ms. Adelle, who had raised him for fifteen years. This time, he would no longer be the protected child but a guardian bearing a heavy responsibility.
Night fell, and the Root Layer sank into relative quiet. Orlen lay on his bed, completely unable to sleep. Tomorrow's journey would be the true beginning of his path of destiny.