Chapter 145

“The process in which a translation nodule is created is specific to trees. It is not possible for you to create.”

Well I’m not dead! That’s always a positive sign that the day is going well.

Shit luck that I can’t talk to other… people? Is that what elder and all the rest are? People?

I’m about to pivot the conversation that way hard and talk about literally anything else with less risk to my life when elder speaks up again.

“However if you wish I can tell you exactly how the nodule was created. Perhaps you can fashion one for yourself one day.”

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

For a second there I’m a believer and worshipper of the one true God—my hatred of all things holy nearly evaporates—before elder speaks up again.

“And I will impart this knowledge to you, if you tell me the real reason you want this knowledge.”

How the fuck does it even know there IS a real reason?! This conversation is giving me whiplash and I don’t even have a neck anymore.

“What do you mean—“

“Do not attempt to lie to me guardian.”

The words themselves make me feel like I’m a kid being told off by their parents but what makes me deathly afraid is the tone elder says it in.

It’s not angry, it’s not coy, it’s not even said with passion.

It’s quiet. Subdued. Muted.

The visceral feeling I get is akin to that of the lioness patiently waiting for its prey to lower its guard and continue eating before it pounces and eats it alive.

The thought of uttering a single lie dies before its even conceived of.

“I want one so I can talk to anyone else… in the case I have to abandon everything here.”