The light exploded. When it faded, TimberTail had changed. Bigger. Stronger tail.
image [https://i.imgur.com/XE3N76n.png]
LoreKeeper zipped over, pink light scanning. “TimberTail2 is here! Who knew all it took was a little soul-searching and some moody poetry?”
Zane rubbed his chin. “Wait, wait. All it took was some weird poetry about rain? What is this, MagicBeast therapy?”
Darius raised an eyebrow. “Words have power, Zane. Even the smallest seed can grow with the right fertilizer.”
Zane snapped his fingers and turned to MiningMole. He copied Darius’s serious tone. “Okay MiningMole, let’s tackle life’s big question. Is cereal a soup? Think about it: liquid, chunks, spoon. Same as chowder. This isn’t just breakfast. It’s deep thinking.”
MiningMole snorted. It was not impressed. Dirt flew right into Zane’s face.
Lyra almost fell over laughing. “One-star review for that philosophy!”
Zane wiped the dirt off, grumbling. “Fine, fine. But I’ll figure out this whole ascension thing if it’s the last thing I do.”
LoreKeeper made a holographic oak tree appear. Tiny squirrels with saws popped up on its branches.
“Alright, let’s see what TimberTail2 can do!” LoreKeeper’s compass needle spun like crazy. “You’ve got two shiny new skill points to spend!”
Three icons sparkled like prizes on a game show.
“First up, Tail Saw 2. Sharper and faster. For when you need to take down the big trees. Oaks, redwoods, maybe even your in-laws’ fence.”
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
“Next, Timber Sense 2. Perfect for sniffing out magical trees. Think of it like a treasure map, but bark-ier.”
“And last but not least, Lucky Chop! A 25% chance to magically double the wood TimberTail chops. Who needs strategy when you’ve got luck?”
Darius stared at the skill tree like it was a puzzle. “Tail Saw 2 is efficient right away. But Timber Sense 2 could help us find rare resources.”
Zane tugged at his collar. “Just pick the one that chops faster! We’re building a village, not having a magical tea party.”
Lyra’s eyes sparkled. “Ooh, magical trees! Just think of all the things we could make. Potions. Enchanted weapons. Maybe even a self-cleaning bathtub!” She clapped her hands, already lost in dreams.
LoreKeeper chimed in. “Or Lucky Chop! Roll those dice, and maybe you’ll win a whole forest!”
Darius nodded. “Efficiency is important. But rare resources could be the key to success. Let us put one point in Tail Saw 2, then we can think about the next step.”
With a whoosh, the holographic tree grew another branch.
Darius glanced at LoreKeeper. “Tell me, what is Tail Saw 3?”
With a flourish, an icon glowed. LoreKeeper floated closer. “Tail Saw 3: Even stronger and faster. Goodbye shade, hello global warming!”
Darius’s eyes lit up. “Tail Saw 3... a serious tactical advantage.” He paused, thinking like a general planning a big move. “The choice is clear. Tail Saw 3. Maximum efficiency.”
The skill tree lit up like holiday lights. With a golden glow, TimberTail2 buzzed with newfound power. Its tail was now a weapon of mass deforestation.
LoreKeeper spun. “TimberTail2 is now a lumberjack legend!”
Even Zane couldn’t help but nod. “Okay, I’ll admit, that’s pretty cool.”
BloomBounce2 bounced over to TimberTail2. It patted its lumberjack buddy like a coach hyping up the star player.
TimberTail2 wagged its tail, like it was making a promise to work harder.
MiningMole squeaked with excitement. Then, it dug a small circle around them. Dirt flew everywhere like confetti.
Lyra squealed in delight. “Look at them bonding! MagicBeast playtime!”
Zane rolled his eyes, but a smile tugged at his lips. “At this rate, they’ll be too tired to work tomorrow.”
Darius shrugged. “Let them bond. The stronger their connection, the better they become.”
Lyra’s eyes twinkled. “Maybe tomorrow, it’ll be MiningMole’s turn to ascend.” She winked at MiningMole, who puffed up like it was already dreaming of glory.