The journey to the tree took nearly an hour. The roots were bigger up close. Even the smallest was twice as tall as me. The plant’s bark was turning ashen grey at first. It looked like the tree was just strange, but when I placed a hand against one of the smaller roots, it crumbled to ash. The tree was dying and based on how far the grey color went, the tree wouldn’t survive much longer. We continued forward and bodies started appearing. Mostly scorpions, but there were also dog sized reptiles. All of them were dead, based on the cuts and puncture wounds on the bodies. It looked like they fought each other. The entire situation was ominous. It was a bit like walking through a graveyard. A roaring sound broke the silence. I pulled Rex to a slow crawl as we reached a convergence point of several roots. A makeshift arena filled with dead bodies. The only creatures that were still alive did battle in the middle. The largest of the three was a genuine manticore. It had the body of a lion and an injured pair of leathery bat-like wings. Sharp spines covered its face and then traveled down its back. The creature had a humanoid head, though its teeth were sharp like a shark. Its appearance was both humane and inhumane, a fact that gave off an unsettling feeling.

The other creature was much more normal. It was a lizard with six legs. Its scales were a dark purple color that bordered on black. It had frills around its head and was nearly as large as the manticore. It had a savage looking stinger coming from its tail. They did a strange shuffle dance before attacking.. The smell of blood was thick in the air. The smell made me sick to my stomach, but I kept it together. I slowly crawled off of Rex and crouched down behind a root. I definitely didn’t want either of these creatures to win. I kept my hands beneath the plant in order to hide the light and began to cast Revelation. The manticore was my first target.

Desert Manticore: Level 13

Manticore are often considered the bastard children of Dragons. They are known for their destructive natures and sadistic habits. Manticore are prized as devout pets for anyone able to tolerate their cruel natures.

Purple Basilisk: Level 12

Basilisk are known for their ability to turn their victims to stone. Purple Basilisk were forced to adapt without that ability instead gaining a deadly neurotoxin. No less deadly than their more famous cousins they are formidable threats.

They were both more than twice my level. My first instinct was to turn tail and run, but then the other part of my brain kicked in. If I could take advantage of this situation, the experience points I would gain from killing both of them would be enormous. Greed and fear warred in my mind as the manticore threw itself against the basilisk. Its sharp teeth dug into the basilisk’s scales just as its stinger slammed into the manticore’s hide. The two titans grappled with each other and they forced me to make a choice. “Damn it!” I grabbed hold of Rex’s reins and pulled myself up and onto its back. The glow from my spell drew the eye of both beasts, but neither wanted to give up on its current battle. Something that I was more than thankful for. I unleashed rays of light aiming for the manticore. The light seared into the creature’s hind leg, forcing it to open its mouth and let out a howl of pain. The basilisk took advantage of its enemy’s pain and slammed its stinger into the manticore.

I hoped two stings would weaken the manticore enough. I turned my focus to the basilisk. I began dual casting Lesser Bright Bolt and seconds later, a bolt of radiant light formed in front of my palms. The bolt shot forward like a bolt and slammed into the creature’s face. It was the basilisk’s turn to recoil in pain. Its enemy took advantage of this weakness and renewed its attack. The manticore was slowing down and its attacks were sluggish. Its wounds were oozing a yellow liquid that smelled like rotting flesh. Not to be outdone, the basilisk continued its attack. The pair sank their weapons into each other while I took potshots whenever I could. Thankfully, their hatred for each other kept either of them from coming after me. One time, the manticore fired thorny spikes in my direction but its aim was wide. After fifteen minutes, the battle was at its end. The manticore was unmoving on the ground while the basilisk had lost three of its legs and was bleeding.

Despite how terrifying the creatures looked, it hurt my heart to watch them suffer. I kept my distance, not wanting to risk an attack in their death throes. I dual cast Ray of Light, taking out the basilisk first. I blew four holes into its throat. Once I was confident the beast wouldn’t move again, I did the same to the manticore. Once both of them were dead, I climbed back on top of Rex and we went in the opposite direction. I wasn’t sure if their blood would attract other beasts, but I didn’t want to fight another powerful enemy. I guided Rex into a safe spot beneath a large root just as it sunk into the ground. I gathered some stone and discarded plant material to start up a fire. Once we were comfortable, I gave Rex the last of the food and pulled up my notifications.

You have been awarded 1,800 experience from defeating Purple Basilisk level 12

You have been awarded 1,950 experience from defeating Desert Manticore level 13

Congratulations! Your skill Dual Casting has leveled up. Dual Casting has reached level 10. The spell power increases by 245% and the modified cost is 273%

Congratulations! Your skill Lumos Magic has leveled up. Lumos Magic has reached level 12. You are able to learn additional spells.

Congratulations! Your skill Riding has leveled up. You have +3% to mounted speed and +3% resistance to being knocked off your mount.

Due to your hard work and dedication, you have advanced a skill rank. Your Dual Casting skill has advanced from Amateur to Student. Dual cast spells now last 5% longer.You have been awarded 1,000 experience points for this achievement.

You have leveled up! You have reached level 6! Hard work, dedication, and luck have guided your steps. Blood, sweat, and tears have forged your path. Grow and strive forward into the horizon. Through the completion of your trials and labors, you have taken another step into the future. Your hard work has earned you the following rewards.

Category Per level Unspent Points Attribute Points Because your nature your per-level rewards have been modified. You have been awarded 7 Attribute Points to distribute however you like. 7 Skill Progression +25% Progress to any skill of your choice. 25%

I had only leveled up once after that, which was disappointing. I was really hoping to get two or even three levels, but beggars couldn’t be chooser. I already knew where I wanted to put the points at this level. One point went into Endurance bringing it twenty and the other six went to Charisma. The skill progression didn’t matter as much. None of my skills except for Lumos magic were very high. I put it into Lumos and reviewed my status screen. My progression was going well. As soon as I reach level 7, I should reach twenty in Charisma, which would let me meet most of the requirements for the scroll. Once I reviewed the last of my notifications, I turned my focus to the surrounding area. I listened for any signs that animals had found us, but so far everything was quiet. Rex looked delighted and more than happy to keep lounging. I almost felt bad when I got up and beckoned him to join me. I gathered as much sand as I could and threw it over the fire. Once I was sure the fire was dead, I mounted up and pushed further to the core of the tree. This part of the tree was much more alive. The plant wasn’t a vibrant and lush green, but it was clearly alive. We could crawl up the side of one root. The majesty of the tree was breathtaking. It was like being underneath the canopy of the Giant Sequoias if they were bigger and wider.

“Where does the water for this thing come from?” I wondered aloud as we reached the trunk of the tree. It took a few seconds to find the tree hollow. It was the size of a proper doorway. I got off of Rex and looked around for a spot to tie him before giving up. “Now you are going to wait here for me to come back.” I locked eyes with the reptile, but couldn’t be sure it could understand me. The lizard's big eyes focused on me and, for a moment, it felt like there was a connection. I gave him a nod before turning and making my way inside the tree.

The inside of the tree was not at all what I thought it would be. I was expecting vines or layers of bark or something "planty" instead it was a bit like a kangaroo's pouch. There was a dull green sphere that looked a bit like a dragon fruit. The sphere was connected to green vines that reached from the sphere and then back into the rest of the tree. The tree heart had a dull green glow to it. I couldn't explain why but it felt sad to look at. It was as if the tree itself was sad. I was just about to try touching the item when something strange happened. The opposite wall shuddered and parted. Stepping out of the wall was a vaguely feminine shape. It looked like a cross between a person and a tangle of vines. She looked at me for a moment as if debating what she should do next. A long beat of silence occurred before a sound that was reminiscent of leaves rustling in the air reached me. I ignored the sound at first before I heard it. It was like someone was whispering.

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"Hello Suzerain. There are not many people who can understand me. I am pleased that you reached me." Her voice was like honey. It was so soft and quiet that I couldn't stop from straining to hear it. I barely resisted the urge to move closer to her not that I thought that would help. "Uh you know who I am?" It sounded like I was already on the back foot when it came to information. I did my best not to show my annoyance but the slight humor in the voice told me I had failed.

"I do not but I can sense old magic on you. The magic of ownership, of mastery flows through you. I assume that you are new to your Suzerainty?" I slowly nodded as she continued speaking. "There are many wondrous and perils that you must take care to avoid. That is not what's most important right now though. My time is running out. I have a request to make of you."

I folded my arms at that. First there was the cryptic comments designed to pull me in and bait the trap. Now it was time to pay the bill. "Uh-uh" If the plant woman was annoyed by it she didn't let it show. "My tree is dying, I suppose it is more accurate to say I am dying. I would like for you to take my heart and plant it at your Place of Power."

I stared at her blankly waiting for her to continue, to explain why she would want that or what it would mean or really anything else. When she didn't I decided to ask some questions. "Why? What do you mean you are dying? If you are dying how would taking your heart help you?" I stopped myself from spewing out every question I could think of especially since some of them would have been variations of the same question.

"My heart is the core of my being. This body is dying but my life could go on. I suppose in a way its like the way you all have children. I assure you that there are benefits to this arrangement if that's what makes you hesitate. " I raise a hand to stop her. "I don't need a reward to help you but I do need to know exactly what you want from me. Why do you want me to plant you at my Place of Power?"

The ambient magic at a node of arcane veins can lead to any number of unique benefits. More important than that though is safety. I believe working with you will give me the chance to grow safely. It is a "Win Win" as you people say. I listened to her calmly and it made a lot sense. If I assumed that those creatures were a threat to her as well as each other than being protected from them would be ideal. I didn't like the disparity in knowledge but there wasn't much to be done about that. I nodded my head and made my decision.

"Alright, I will help you. I won't promise you anything since I don't have everything under control right now but I will do what I can to help you. As long as you treat me well I will treat you well." Now that I had made my decision the weight of paranoia fell off of my shoulders. There was a freedom in making a decision. Thankfully the plant woman didn't feel a need for further conversation. She reached out with a tangle of vine to the green sphere. As soon as she did each of the vines connected the plant to the core. It was a bit like watching someone remove the lines holding a blimp down. I wondered vaguely if it hurt but the woman didn't seem to react. Once she was done she passed the heart to me.

You have found:Arbor Heart Details: This item can be used to grow any number of magical plants. The plant chosen will best serve the needs of the person who planted itHerb Rarity: Super RareHerb Quality: SuperbWeight: 5lbs

When I read the details of the plant I let out a low whistle. It was a miracle plant! I had no idea what my lands would need but something like this would certainly help. I looked up to thank the plant woman but she was gone. I hadn't even noticed her move which was kind of frightening but she didn't try to hurt me which means that she meant it about not wanting to cause me harm. Just as I was about to thank her the tree began to tremble. I braced myself against the nearby wall before willing the heart to go into my ring. I stumbled back to the entrance of the tree hollow when I heard a massive cracking sound. It was as if the world broken a part. I managed to pull myself outside and caught sight of Rex clawing at the roots under him. It was clear that he was terrified but he hadn't left me. It took me several seconds to get back to him. The roots of the tree began to crumble all around us. I climbed onto his back and pushed him as fast and as hard as I could. We were just barely ahead of the collapsing plant. Once we were far enough away to be safe I looked back and caught sight of the massive trunk cracking and splintering down the middle. The sight made my heart break.

I glanced down at my ring and checked on the heart. Once I was sure it was safe I turned and sat out. I could feel my place of power getting closer and I was ready to finally see it. I also wanted to get as far away from the level 12 creatures as possible. I didn't trust my luck without some kind of distraction. I managed to travel for another ten minutes before I noticed the prompt blinking in the corner of my vision. I wasn't sure if I had missed it due to not paying attention or if it was minimized in order to not distract me. Either way I pulled it up and began to read.

You have been offered the Quest: Heart of Life I

The Arbor Heart is a powerful life item that is capable of bestowing a great gift upon the land. It is not truly alive but it is able to connect with creatures of good or neutral alignment. You have been given the opportunity to plant this miraculous item at your place of power.

Quest Details: Plant the Arbor Heart in the boundaries of your Domain

Rewards: Unknown

Penalty for Failure: Unknown

Do you accept: You have already accepted this quest.

Well that put to bed all of the hesitation I had left. The quest system confirmed that the plant was both good and a miracle which meant that it probably wasn't going to hurt me. At least not on purpose. The fact that it was a quest also meant I would get some experience upon completion which would bring me closer to my next level and closer to my soul companion. No matter how I looked at it this was going to be a win win. I dismissed the prompt and pulled Rex a bit more to the North west. The slight pull from my Place of Power had finally changed after all this time.