The sunlight filtered through the dense canopy above, casting dappled patches of golden light across the forest floor. The sound of trickling water from the new natural spring was filling the clearing, and in its presence, Larin could feel an energy that seemed to resonate on a deep level with him. Near the massive tree looming protectively over the spring, the Dryad seemed to radiate some timeless wisdom; her form flowed into the tree, her presence commanding yet unflustered.

"This spring will be your workplace," The Dryad started off, the song in her voice bearing an undercurrent of command. "Among many you will continue to garner. Here you will forge your weapons, keep your allies safe, and build what you may. Every Natural Spring is unique, and we Dryads defend one each. We have known each other for quite some time now, Larin, child of Sinlung."

Larin stood in silence, his ears tuned for every word; his gaze strayed to the spring, whose waters shone softly with mana. He felt Dryad's weight in those words—this sanctuary was a stepping stone for something much bigger.

Her expression smoothed out, and she gestured toward a smaller figure standing at the base of the tree, half-hidden among its roots. "But before we continue, let me name myself. I am Cindris. And this young one," she said, her hand resting gently on the figure's shoulder, "is Oakenna. She will be here, not permanently, but this will be her post. She will be able to move around the whole of Sinlung, but this spring is her charge. Treat each other well. Grow together. Learn from each other. She will be our connection to you."

He turned to Oakenna as she stepped forward. Her green eyes shone with curiosity, their light hue like newly sprouted leaves. Her form was strikingly human, almost deceptively so, but her hair—long and cascading like strands of woven vines—and the faint glow that emanated from her skin marked her as something otherworldly. She was tall and slender, yet there was a weight of purpose in her stance. Despite her bravery, Larin could sense a certain shyness in the way she avoided meeting his gaze for too long.

"Hello, Oakenna," Larin said, offering a small bow. "I hope we'll work well together."

Oakenna tilted her head, her expression quizzical. "Work? Together? I am to guide and you to follow. What is the confusion?"

Larin chuckled, holding up a hand for an explanation. "It's just a phrase, Oakenna. It means I respect what you bring to this partnership. We're equals."

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Oakenna blinked. "Equals? But you are human, bound to limited years, and I am part of the eternal cycle of Sinlung. Does this not place us on different levels?"

Larin grinned, seeing a chance. "Yes, you will outlive me, but that's made up for by my wit, charm, and unmatched ability to mess things up."

Oakenna looked at him, her face completely neutral. "Mess things up… on purpose? Is this one of your strengths, then?

She couldn't help but burst out laughing. "Not exactly. It means I'm not perfect, but I'll try my best. And that's what makes me human."

Oakenna shook her head again, willing to listen and process his words. Then she nodded, this time slowly. "If imperfection is a source of strength, then you are very strong indeed."

Larin erupted into laughter again, enjoying her earnestness. "Thanks, I think."

Although the joke seemed to go over Landed's head, there was this warmth in the interaction, an idea of connection beginning to germinate. They talked more, their conversation ebbing and flowing between topics of spring, land, and what they each represented. Oakenna had questions which pulled Larin into realization, that he wasn't just learning about him but humanity itself. In turn, he found himself attracted to her way of seeing the world, through the lens of nature's rhythms and the timeless cycles of life.

Cindris held silent approval over their exchange and then continued. "The Great Tree will grow as you nurture the land, Larin. Its progress will mirror your own. You will have the ability to guide its development using [Sinlung]. Each decision will shape not only the tree but also the spring and its influence on the surrounding land."

She paused, her eyes unwavering. "There are systems in place to help you. Credit systems and privileges are tied to your efforts. Oakenna will explain these later. Welcome to Sinlung, Larin. Though you have seen the world from above, Sinlung is not just this place. It is the whole planet. We, its guardians, stand watch. And you are now one of our magi."

The weight of her words settled heavily on Larin's shoulders. The responsibility was immense, but he felt a surge of determination rise within him.

"You can take jobs and requests," Cindris continued. "Earn credits for upgrades and scholarship. Train well and be diligent. If you wish to truly take part in the world-changing events unfolding, you must grow fast. The land needs you to."

Larin nodded. "I understand. I won't let you down."

As Cindris started to flow back into the tree, she added one final note. "We Dryads have learned to speak more clearly through your understanding of [Sinlung Resonance]. This clarity is a gift born out of your dedication. Remember that as you move forward."

She vanished into the trunk, her presence lingering like a faint whisper on the wind.

Oakenna stayed there, her eyes fixed on Larin. "Shall we start?" she asked.

Larin smiled and stretched out a hand toward the spring. "Let's."