Chapter 127

I was alive and I wasn’t going to waste this opportunity.

I quickly told elder that almost immediately after I had stopped the fire from spreading further I realized that an area quite close by was just about completely eradicated and that I took it upon myself to help the few remaining plants there and the plants around the burnt area.

“You intrigue me Guardian. You are such a unique and aberrant example of your species it astounds me. You do good work. Though I’m compelled to ask how exactly are you helping? Where are you obtaining the necessary nutrients to assist that area?”

I don’t know whether to be flattered or offended.

I answer it despite my inner conflict.

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“The mycorrhizal network there is still intact and I’m tapping it for the needed nutrients.”

It goes quiet and I’m back to panicking again.

“… I suppose you are also taking some of the nutrients you have found there for yourself as well. It’s only natural.”

Oh fuck me it’s words sound reasonable but it’s tone is fucking freaking me out.

I hurry to correct it and blurt out, “NO! I get my nutrients elsewhere.” I don’t really want to tell it where I’m getting them so I hastily add, “The nutrients there are exclusively for the plants. I’m just acting as the go between. Subsisting off of the mycorrhizal network after the death of all the trees there just seems ghoulish to me.”

This time a shorter silence before it responds.

“Ghoulish what an interesting word and concept.” It sounds more surprised than anything else, but I’m relieved that cold tone of it’s is gone.

I try to clarify and respond with, “Uh yeah. I mean it just felt wrong to me so I decided to just use the nutrients to help the remaining plant life to recover.”

“You are a selfless individual Guardian. Im glad to have met you. As to your question if it was okay to expand into that area. I’ve been in contact with the other elders. They are wary of your existence but I have assured them that I will be keeping an eye on you for the near future. You are most welcome to that area.”

Oh fuck me the other elders know of my existence now and Elder is gunna stalk me even harder.

I shouldn’t have ever brought it up.