Jun opened his eyes, letting the gentle warmth of morning sunlight illuminate him as Gaia's twin suns rose as one. Several dozen others stretched and yawned, their eyes flicking open one by one in response to being jolted from their trials. The stench of mana-charged earth, of being sick was the dominant aroma; Jun felt the same- a nauseating churn at the bottom of his stomach that refused to still. Moments passed, and he doubled over and vomited, retching out the gathered weight of half a century of living in simulated realities. He wasn't alone. Other afflicted ones were spread around, writhing with their bodies, as they exhaled the price of their test. Azure and gold-robed guards moved around in the group; their faces seemed placid but alert.
"Take your time", one of the guards said kindly, holding up a young man from his fall to his feet. "It's normal. The Stigmata Tree leaves its mark on everyone differently."
Jun cleaned his mouth, grateful for the reprieve. A guard approached him, scanning his Rigg before returning his identification.
"Congratulations, Juniper Green," the guard said with a small smile. "You've gained something few ever do. The Stigmata Tree welcomes you to return when the time is right."
Jun nodded weakly, still steadying himself. The experience felt like it had aged him beyond his years. Half a century in simulations. Half a lifetime lived and lost.
Yogundr heard him speak, softly, over his turmoil. "The Stigmata is mischievous, but it has a purpose. It doesn't live like you or I. Its kind lost their physical vessels long ago. They now are concepts; they are broken shards of their original selves left behind. This tree is simply a container; a faint memory of something so much more".
Jun closed his eyes and let the words sink in. The Inside Out Stigmata mark still pulsed softly on his skin as if reminding him of the experiences he had and the lessons he learned.
"Jun!"
He turned towards the voice, which he knew. And there, too, was the weary smile as Riry jogged up to him. Her bright purple hair was shining with morning light and her grin, even if a bit wilder than it used to be, still bubbled up unrepressed.
"You made it out alive," she said, clapping him on the shoulder. "I knew you would. You're too stubborn to let a cosmic tree break you."
Jun chuckled, shaking his head. "Barely. That was… something else."
Riry's expression softened, and she looked at him closely. "You look older. Not physically, but… in here." She tapped her temple lightly.
Jun shrugged. "It'll take time to shake it off. But what about you? How's life in Evergreen Falls treating you?"
Riry's face lit up. "Oh, it's been amazing. I'm now working with the Stigmata Tree's caretakers. It's a three-month rotation, and I've learned more about mana harmonics and biological imprints in the past few weeks than I have in years. Did you know that tree's tendrils adjust their frequency based on the dominant mana type of the group visiting? It's like it customizes the trial for each person."
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"That explains a lot," Jun mumbled, recalling all those endless loops he had faced. "What else?"
Well, Riry said, continuing, "I have begun making a catalogue of the flora on and around the lands here. It has a pretty impressive-looking Chronoweed whose reactions differ slightly at whatever point of day when harvested. Of course, forget even about what there are on land itself—a Baymouth Owl nest happens to be found on the walls in the rear by my room; it gives me its scrutiny at every single daybreak.".
Jun laughed, feeling a genuine warmth spread through his body. Riry's enthusiasm was infectious.
"And what about you?" Riry asked, tilting her head. "What's new in Jun-world?"
Jun paused, his eyes looking off to one side before his hands swept down the faint curl of tattoos on his arm and torso, it looked like there were tubes inside Jun holding the body up. "The Stigmata Tree gave me this. It's hard to explain, but it feels like a part of me now. I can blend into light and shadow, hide in plain sight. It's more than just concealment—it's adaptation. There may be more."
Riry's eyes opened wide. "That's amazing. And so you. Always sneaky, always finding a way out."
"Not sneaky," Jun said with mock indignation. "Strategic."
"Sure, sure," Riry teased, grinning. "Anything else?"
"I've been exploring my land more," Jun said, his tone growing thoughtful. "There are Yeal trees on my plot, older than most civilizations. Someone has been teaching me about them, and apparently, they hold untapped potential. I've also started practicing some of the Green Spells he's mentioned. Slowly, though. I'm still pretty rudimentary when it comes to mana control."
"You're making progress," Riry said encouragingly. "And the Yeal trees sound fascinating. I'd love to see them someday. And that someone, I'm guessing it's the same as my Ymos" summoning the Sleeping Leviathan floating in the air.
Jun acted surprised but nodded. Ymos opened his eyes, and scanned Jun. Yogundr also manifested, they acknowledged each other's existence and went back to their plane. "Jun, this one is older than me, but not stronger. Be careful though, they could be helpful allies." Yogundr sent a message to Jun.
The two fell into comfortable silence for a moment, the hum of life surrounding the Stigmata Tree filling space. Travelers and caretakers moved purposefully, their conversations blending with the rustle of leaves and faint vibration of mana in the air.
Then Jun finally broke the silence. "I'm glad you're here, Riry," she said. "Evergreen Falls feels. less overwhelming with you around.
Riry smiled, her look warm. "Likewise, Jun. This place is big, and it's easy to get lost in it. But you've got me, and I've got you. Deal?"
"Deal."
The guards ushered the group away from the tree, and the steady stream of visitors continued because of their duties. Riry put a hand on Jun's arm.
"Let's catch up properly soon," she said. "There's loads we can learn off each other, I think, at least where I am or have been."
Jun nodded. "Look forward to that."
As Riry continued with her work once more, Jun stayed there for another moment, casting his eyes towards the Stigmata Tree; its towering aspect seemed to kindle a steady pulse, though silent, recognizing those who've walked its length and lived through some of its more trying trials.
"Ready to move on?" Yogundr asked, its voice steady and reassuring.
"Yeah," Jun replied, his steps feeling a little surer.
The weight of new stigmata pressed upon his body-not to burden him-but as if this was now he. Changed at the trial and walking towards this unknown, some quiet resolve could be building, but this did not make a step forward much clearer.