The Bottom
The path the Fuma clan had shown us was far more treacherous than I had imagined. Steep cliffs and deep ravines stretched on endlessly; one false step, and I would be plunged into the abyss. But I would not give up. My longing for the World Tree kept my feet moving forward. A few days later, the view opened up. There lay a vast forest, as beautiful as a painting. Giant trees covered the sky, and sunlight filtered through the branches in thin rays. The air was clear and fresh. As I ventured deeper into the forest, I heard a strange sound. It was neither the song of a bird nor the rustling of the wind. It was something far more mysterious. I walked toward the source of the sound, and there I found a massive crystal cave. In the center of the cave, a gigantic crystal shone brightly, and the melody I had heard moments ago was emanating from it. As I approached the crystal, a voice came from deep within the cave. “Welcome, lost traveler.” The owner of the voice emerged from behind the crystal. It was a forest spirit. Her body was as transparent as crystal, radiating a beautiful light. “You are heading for the World Tree, aren’t you?” the spirit said gently. “The path to the World Tree passes through this crystal cave. However, this cave is full of danger. Are you prepared to overcome those dangers?” “Yes,” I replied firmly. “I will clear the path to the World Tree.” The spirit smiled. “That is a wonderful resolve. Then, let us begin the trial. The guardian beasts of the forest slumber within this cave. You must proceed to the depths of the cave without waking them.” Numerous traps lie in wait deep within the cave: sharp spikes, deep pits, and magical mists that induce hallucinations. I navigate past them cautiously, using all my wits. And finally, I reach the deepest part of the cave. There, a gigantic tree stood towering over the landscape. That was the World Tree. Its appearance was truly divine and majestic. The World Tree seemed to speak to my soul. “You have come to save the future of this world, haven’t you? I shall be your strength.” When I became one with the World Tree, I gained a power greater than anything I had ever felt before. It was the power to save this world. My adventure had entered a new phase.
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