Chapter 138

The second jade ran away I’m tempted into expanding the sensory network. Maybe even use the thinner mycelium strands to do it but before I let my impulses get away from me I remember that idea I had when I realized I could train whatever creature was eating my tendrils.

The idea was twofold.

Since I couldn’t let my bonds with the lichen to be disrupted, I would use the repelling chemical to dissuade hungry pests from the ones I have connected to the lichen but at the same time I would also have mycelium without the chemical growing from trees without lichen.

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The animals would learn to feed from the correct ones but would avoid the important ones.

Having Jade illuminate that weakness was jarring to say the least but one that will lead to improvements.

Just as I start to reach for the chemical I realize I would have to tap the hub for it.

And I freeze before I can even try it.

I would have to ask for permission from elder first. Never mind that I’ve been doing so since before it’s learned of my existence and that I am still providing water to the hub, it’s still something I have to ask for.

Though I suppose if we were to negotiate I could just— well I hesitate to say threaten but in this situation that word fits. I would threaten to cut off the water I’m providing the hub.

Just as I’m about to signal elder for conversation it initiates one instead.

“Guardian we need to talk.”