“Thank you, user Milton, your upgrade token is now processing. Thank you for your service, and enjoy your upgrade. Have a great day,” Nova said, her voice carrying its usual cheerful tone as she wrapped up the interaction. As the system window closed, her expression softened, and she leaned down on the desk with a small sigh.
“Long customer?” her friend Alice asked with a smirk, her tone light and teasing as she observed Nova.
Nova looked over at her, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Alice’s long, dark honey-brown hair fell in soft waves down to her waist, catching the light with a rich, golden sheen. Her eyes, vibrant forest green, sparkled with a lively intelligence, framed by thick lashes that enhanced their depth. Her skin was fair and smooth, almost porcelain-like, with a subtle glow that added to her ethereal appearance.
As an elf, Alice’s features were finely chiseled—high cheekbones, a slender nose, and a delicate jawline that gave her an air of regal elegance. Her ears, gracefully pointed, were adorned with intricate silver earrings that dangled just below the lobe, adding a touch of sophistication to her look. She carried herself with a natural poise and fluidity, every movement exuding quiet confidence and timeless grace. Alice’s attire complemented her appearance, often favoring flowing garments in shades of emerald green and deep browns, which not only highlighted her eyes but also reflected her connection to nature.
“Someone has to be,” Alice teased, her tone playful but laced with genuine concern. “Especially with how you throw yourself into everything. Speaking of which, how are things with Steven?”
Nova chuckled softly, shaking her head. “You always know how to get to the heart of things, don’t you?” She paused, glancing down as if considering her response. “Things with Steven are… complicated. But that’s nothing new.”
Nova had an ethereal presence, embodying the grace and mystique often associated with elves. She had long, silver-blonde hair that cascaded down her back in soft waves, catching the light with a subtle, shimmering quality, almost as if infused with stardust. Her skin was fair, with a soft, pearlescent glow, giving her an otherworldly appearance.
Her eyes were a deep, luminescent blue, reminiscent of a clear night sky filled with stars, reflecting both wisdom and an underlying curiosity. They were almond-shaped, with long, dark lashes that contrasted against her pale complexion. Her ears were slightly elongated, tapering to elegant points, adorned with delicate silver jewelry that twinkled faintly as she moved.
Nova’s attire was a blend of traditional elven garb and modern, functional clothing suited for her role as a system guide. She wore a fitted, flowing robe in shades of midnight blue and silver, embroidered with intricate patterns resembling constellations. The fabric seemed to ripple like water, with a slight iridescence that shifted with her movements. Her boots were knee-high, made from supple, dark leather that allowed her to move silently.
Around her neck, she wore a pendant shaped like a crescent moon, which pulsed faintly with a soft, bluish light. This pendant was not just an accessory but a symbol of her connection to the World Seed and her ability to influence the magical energies around her.
Alice’s smirk softened into a smile as she leaned back in her chair, her gaze never leaving Nova’s. “Complicated or not, I know you’ll figure it out. You always do.”
Nova sighed, her smile tinged with a hint of melancholy. “I hope so, Alice. I really do.”
Alice’s smile widened as she saw the concern in Nova’s eyes. “You know, you could always use a break. All this work and emotional turmoil can’t be good for you.”
Nova shook her head, her expression thoughtful. “I appreciate the sentiment, but there’s so much to do—” Just then, a system alert chimed softly, catching Nova’s attention. She turned back to her console, the soft blue light from her pendant reflecting in her eyes. “Looks like I’ve got another request coming in,” she said, her tone taking on its usual professional edge.
“That’s unusual,” Alice remarked, a hint of confusion in her voice. “They usually give you a few minutes to an hour, depending on the upgrade that was needed.”
“What’s even more odd is that this request is coming directly from the system itself and is directed to me only,” Nova said, her brow furrowing as she glanced at Alice.
“When was the last time something like this happened?” Alice asked, pulling up her own system windows to search for any records under the name ‘Noah Stirling, Of Earth.’
“Who names their planet Earth?” Nova questioned, pulling her chair closer to the console as Alice stood behind her, watching both screens intently. Nova began her usual routine, though her mind was already racing with possibilities.
“Welcome to the World Seed Upgrade Window, User Noah,” Nova said, ensuring her voice was as friendly and cheerful as possible.
She paused, glancing at the information displayed. She could see that Noah had only two upgrade tokens available.
“What?” she mouthed toward Alice, pointing at the token counter.
“I’m not sure what’s going on,” Alice whispered back, still searching through the system. “I’m looking for the planet to see what level it’s on.”
“I see you have two Upgrade Tokens currently—congratulations on earning them!” Nova continued, glancing at Alice and mouthing, ‘Anything?’
“Here you go! These are all the upgrades you can purchase so far,” Nova said, swiping to display all the available upgrade options without really looking at them herself.
Nova muted herself, turning toward Alice. “Anything yet? He’s looking at his options, so it’ll give us some—”
“Stop!” Noah’s voice suddenly cut through, causing Nova to snap her attention back to the screen, her eyes widening slightly at the sheer number of upgrades available to him.
She quickly processed the options. There were too many for her to count, and she paused the list, noticing several upgrades she didn’t even recognize.
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{eyes of the drgon king}
{Reapers Love} {Ice Heart} {Fathers-}
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Nova had never seen such a list before. “What’s wrong, Noah?” she asked, glancing at Alice, who looked just as wide-eyed.
“I don’t need a list this long,” Noah mumbled before continuing more clearly. “Just show me what you recommend I need right now, please... Miss System?”
Nova blushed slightly at the term "Miss System" before clearing her throat and focusing on her screen, quickly tapping a symbol to initiate an auto-scan. “Oh, sorry about that, Noah! And please, call me Nova.” She watched as the scan process neared completion.
“I’ve shortened the list to ten items you may need right now,” Nova explained, her tone slipping into a more professional cadence. “The first five are essential, while the last five are useful but can wait.”
Nova muted herself again, turning to Alice while Noah examined his list. “What’s going on? I’ve never seen an upgrade list that long before,” Nova whispered, wonder evident in her voice.
“While you’ve been talking to your odd customer, I couldn’t find anything on him or his planet,” Alice replied, her brows furrowed in concentration.
“I’ll purchase the Inventory Expansion, please,” Noah’s voice called out, interrupting their conversation. Nova sighed and turned back to her console, noting the system’s prompt asking for confirmation of the upgrade.
“Good choice, Noah!” Nova’s voice chimed back, brimming with enthusiasm. “Let me pull up all the available upgrade options for your current level of inventory.” She swiftly swiped to display the prepared list.
“Take your time, Noah,” Nova encouraged him. “There’s no rush! Each option has its own benefits, so choose the one that best suits your needs right now.”
As Noah reviewed his options, Alice tapped Nova's shoulder, drawing her attention back. “I was able to locate the planet,” Alice whispered. “It’s not even connected to the system, but somehow he managed to establish a connection.”
Before Nova could respond, Noah’s voice cut in, “Nova,” he called out, pausing for a moment before continuing, “what can you tell me about the Seed Inventory?”
Nova paused at that, pulling up the information on the Seed Inventory, her mind racing with the implications of what she was discovering.
“Certainly, Noah! The Seed Inventory is designed to enhance your efficiency and management of all the seeds you acquire. Here’s what you need to know: it will automatically categorize and store any seeds you collect, freeing up your main inventory space and allowing you to manage your resources more effectively. Additionally, it provides detailed information about each seed, including growth conditions, potential yields, and even magical properties,” Nova explained, her voice steady and informative. She quickly muted herself, taking a brief moment to compose her thoughts before unmuting.
As Nova glanced over at Alice, the soft blue light from her pendant flickered slightly, mirroring her subtle curiosity. Both of them heard a soft chime, signaling the completion of the token transfer.
“There you go!” Nova’s voice regained its cheerful lilt as she continued, “Your inventory has been upgraded! You should notice the new features immediately.”
“Thanks, Nova,” Noah responded, his voice carrying a hint of relief. A small smile tugged at Nova’s lips, a sense of satisfaction warming her chest.
“Anytime, Noah! I’m here whenever you need me,” she replied warmly. Her words were genuine, and there was a comforting familiarity in her tone. “Enjoy your upgraded inventory!”
“Is there anything else I can assist you with today?” Nova asked, her tone remaining inviting, even as she mentally prepared for the next task.
“No, I’ll ask for some help later, but how do I talk to you again?” Noah inquired, his curiosity evident. Nova tilted her head slightly, surprised that he didn’t already know the answer to that.
“Whenever you need assistance, simply say ‘Nova’ in the ‘System’ upgrade menu,” she explained patiently. “I’ll be here to help you with any queries or tasks you have. Have a great day, Noah!”
As the system window dimmed, Nova leaned back slightly, exhaling a soft sigh. The room felt quieter without the interaction, and the blue light from her pendant dimmed to a soft glow. She turned her gaze toward Alice, who had been silently observing the exchange.
Alice arched an eyebrow, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern. “That was... different,” she remarked, her voice low.
Nova nodded, her thoughts lingering on the unusually long upgrade list and the peculiar nature of the request. “It’s not every day you get a request like that,” she admitted, her voice thoughtful. “Something about this feels... off, but I can’t quite put my finger on it.”
Alice frowned, crossing her arms. “We need to keep an eye on this. There’s more to this ‘Noah’ and his planet than we realize.”
Nova nodded in agreement, the weight of responsibility settling on her shoulders. “I’ll make sure to keep tabs on him.”
With a shared understanding, they both stood up, heading towards the staff room. As they entered, the familiar scent of Chiloak tea filled the air—a calming blend known for its soothing properties. Steven was already there, his back turned as he carefully poured the steaming liquid into a cup.
“Oh hey, Steven,” Alice greeted, her tone light as she glanced over at Nova, who seemed lost in thought.
Steven turned around, a warm smile on his face as he acknowledged Alice. “Oh hey, Alice,” he responded, but his smile faltered slightly when his eyes landed on Nova. A wince flashed across his features, barely noticeable but enough for Alice to catch.
“Hey, Steven,” Nova said softly, trying to match his smile, though her mind was still partly occupied with the strange encounter with Noah.
Steven hesitated for a moment, his gaze flicking between Nova and Alice as if searching for the right words. “Everything okay?” he finally asked, his voice tinged with concern as he placed the cup down on the counter.
Alice exchanged a quick glance with Nova before replying. “Just a long day,” she said, trying to brush it off with a casual tone. “You know how it is.”
Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
Nova nodded in agreement, though her expression betrayed her lingering unease. “Yeah, just... a lot on my mind,” she added, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of the pendant she wore.
Steven’s eyes softened as he took in her demeanor. “If you need to talk, I’m here,” he offered gently, his earlier hesitation replaced with genuine concern.
Nova smiled at his sincerity, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Thanks, Steven” she said, her voice sincere but still weighed down by the day’s events.
Alice, sensing the tension, decided to lighten the mood. “So, what’s the occasion for Chiloak tea today, Steven?” she asked with a playful grin, trying to steer the conversation into more familiar and comforting territory.
Steven chuckled, grateful for the change in topic. “No special occasion, really,” he replied, his shoulders relaxing a bit. “Just thought I could use a little pick-me-up after a long day.”
Alice grabbed two cups, pouring one for herself and another for Nova. “Well, it’s a good thing you did,” she said, handing a cup to Nova. “We could all use a little boost.”
Nova accepted the cup with a grateful smile. “Thanks, Alice,” she said softly, taking a sip and feeling the warmth spread through her. “This is just what I needed.”
Alice took a seat next to Nova, her own cup cradled in her hands. “You know, it’s not every day we get to just sit and relax like this,” she remarked, her tone light. “We should make it a regular thing.”
Steven nodded in agreement as he took a sip of his tea. “I’m all for that. A little downtime never hurt anyone.”
The three of them sat in companionable silence for a few moments, savoring the warmth of the tea and the brief respite from their busy day. The quiet hum of the staff room and the shared sense of camaraderie made the moment feel like a small oasis of calm amidst the usual chaos.
Nova allowed herself to relax, her earlier worries momentarily forgotten. She was about to say something to break the silence when a chime broke it for her. Glancing at her system interface, she saw a request from Noah coming in again.
“That was quick,” Nova remarked, looking over at Alice.
Alice raised an eyebrow. “He must’ve figured out something else he needs.”
Steven sipped his tea, unaware of the specifics but picking up on the shift in Nova’s demeanor. “Sounds like you’re in for another round of surprises,” he joked, trying to keep the atmosphere light.
Nova nodded, her professional tone returning. “Looks like it. Time to see what’s on his mind now.”
Nova and Alice left the staff room, holding their teas as they made their way back toward Nova's desk. The gentle clinking of their cups filled the hallway, a small reminder of the brief respite they had just shared. As they approached her workspace, Nova took a deep breath, preparing herself for whatever request awaited her. Alice stayed by her side, offering silent support, their earlier camaraderie now replaced with focused determination.
Nova sat down and activated her screen. As it turned on, Alice grinned and teased, “Go get him, girlfriend,” winking at Nova, who giggled in response.
“Got to say, Noah, you don’t mess around!” Nova said, pressing the scan button on her display, this time activating the environment scanner as well.
“Are you here for an upgrade, or…” Nova trailed off as the scan blinked green, and a notification appeared: ‘World Tree detected nearby User Noah. Scanning for connection… Scan completed. Connected to Noah. Bond forming, connection to the system established. Recommended action: Guide Noah and World Tree. Species: Elysian World Tree. Warning: Previously thought extinct species of World Seed detected. Error: Further information blocked by system.’
Nova’s mind raced. “WHERE DID YOU GET A WORLD SEED FROM?” she suddenly yelled, shock and curiosity overwhelming her. The Elysian World Tree was believed to have died out during the Great Plague of System Day 29 BSA.
“Whoa, whoa, calm down!” Noah replied as Nova took a deep breath. Alice dropped her own cup of tea as she saw the scan results.
“Noah, you have a World Seed!” she exclaimed concern mixing in her voice. “How can I not be calm? Do you have any idea how incredibly rare and powerful a World Seed can be?” She paused for a moment, her tone growing more serious. “It’s not just something that appears—it's the foundation of entire ecosystems, capable of shaping and transforming the environment around it. You could practically create a new world with this, or even restore a world that’s been ravaged by darkness or devastation.”
She recalled when World Seeds suddenly began to die out—a tragedy in the making. The few seeds or trees that remained were closely guarded, and only those with high standing were permitted to plant new World Trees or protect the surviving ones. Yet, something had struck them, causing them to wither away slowly, one by one.
“I had no idea,” she heard Noah whisper. “So… what should I do with it?”
Nova took a moment to compose herself before responding, her voice steady with seriousness. “You’ll need to nurture it carefully. The World Seed has the potential to influence not just the land, but the very magic in the air. I’ll assist you in unlocking its potential, but be aware—every choice you make will have a lasting impact.”
“Alright, Nova. Let’s make sure I don’t mess this up. Tell me where to start,” Noah replied, but before Nova could continue, something unexpected flashed across her screen, visible only to her.
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New Quest Available
Objective: Travel to the world of Earth and assist Noah in nurturing the World Tree: Elysian
Reward: Revival of your home World Tree: Aetheril
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Nova sat there in shock, her heart racing as she processed the new quest. She accepted it almost instinctively — a chance to revive their dying World Tree, Aetheril, a feat countless others had struggled with for untold centuries.
Then, a new window appeared on her screen, one she had never seen before.
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World Transfer
100 tokens
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"I can’t assist you from here," Nova sighed, feeling the weight of everything that was suddenly happening. "But since you have a World Seed growing, there are certain things you’re able to claim for free." She said, noting that the familiar office options were still available to him.
She swiped 50 tokens over to Noah and gave him a moment before continuing. "Now, I need you to listen very carefully to what’s going to happen next. This is a one-time opportunity that rarely occurs. For someone to guide the growth of a World Tree is almost unheard of." Her voice grew more serious. "I'm going to make a suggestion that will allow me to help you in person. You should have received a system window asking if you’d like me to come to your world. If you accept, not only will I be able to guide you more effectively, but I will also become a permanent resident of your world."
There was a lot riding on this quest, and helping the growth of a World Tree was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
"You mean… you could actually come here? Like, physically?" Noah asked with a sense of curiosity.
"Yes," Nova replied, her tone soft but firm. "In essence, I would manifest in your world. My presence would be tied to the World Seed and your world for at least two centuries, allowing me to guide you directly, rather than just through the interface. But remember, this is a one-time offer. If you decline, I won’t be able to offer this again." She waited, nervously fumbling with her fingers.
"Nova," Alice whispered, and Nova quickly muted herself, waiting for Noah's decision.
"Nova, what are you doing? Why are you offering to go—" Alice began, but Nova passed her accepted quest details to her best friend, whose mouth went wide in shock.
"You said this is rare—almost unheard of," Noah murmured, “and it could help the World Seed grow properly?”
"Yes," Nova unmuted herself to confirm. "I would be able to help guide the growth, manage the magical energies, and ensure the World Seed reaches its full potential. But the choice is yours, Noah. I won’t pressure you. Just know that whatever you decide, I’ll support you in the best way I can."
There was a long pause before the words she was waiting for came through.
"Yes."
The system dimmed as a countdown clock of two hours started to tick down at the top of her vision. Nova’s heart raced as she stared at the ticking clock, the reality of her situation sinking in. Two hours. The urgency was palpable, and her hands trembled slightly as she tried to focus on the task ahead.
She turned to Alice, who stood nearby, her expression a blend of concern and curiosity. “I need to go say my goodbyes,” Nova murmured, her voice tinged with a mix of urgency and sadness. Alice’s usual teasing demeanor was replaced with a supportive and understanding gaze.
“In case I don’t see you again,” Nova said, her voice catching slightly, “I’ll contact you through the system when I can.” She pulled Alice into a heartfelt hug, a gesture of both gratitude and sorrow. They had shared so many memories together—adventures, challenges, and countless moments of camaraderie. This farewell felt like the end of an era.
With a final squeeze, Nova reluctantly released her friend and turned to leave the office. A tear escaped her eye as she walked briskly down the hallway, her footsteps echoing in the quiet corridors of the elf building. The walls seemed to close in on her, amplifying the sense of urgency and finality.
Entering her dorm room, Nova was greeted by the familiar sight of cluttered bookshelves and personal belongings. The room was a reflection of her life here—a place where she had poured her heart and soul into her studies and her work. She moved with practiced efficiency, gathering her belongings with a heavy heart.
Her gaze fell upon a bluish-white crystal on her desk. It was a cherished keepsake, imbued with memories of her time at the academy. She gently injected a small amount of mana into it, and the crystal began to display a slideshow of images and memories. Scenes from her years at the academy, her friends, and the many adventures she had experienced played out before her eyes. As she watched, tears streamed down her face. The memories were both beautiful and bittersweet, a reminder of what she was leaving behind.
After a few moments, she carefully stored the crystal away, her heart aching at the thought of parting with her past. She continued to pack, methodically gathering essential items: a pouch of enchanted seeds, a vial of protective potion, and an amulet for focusing her magic. The amulet, with its intricate designs and shimmering surface, felt cool against her fingers. It was a symbol of her strength and focus, grounding her amidst the whirlwind of emotions.
With her belongings packed, she took one last look around her dorm room, her heart heavy with the weight of impending departure. She stepped out of her room and made her way to the courtyard. The air felt colder, as if mirroring her internal turmoil.
As she turned left towards the Aetheril World Tree, she was struck by the sight of its suffering. The once-majestic tree now appeared frail and withering, its branches drooping under the weight of a dark malaise. Blackish-purple lines pulsed intermittently along its bark, a visible sign of the corruption spreading through its core. The mana in the air was thick and sluggish, a reflection of the tree’s declining health.
“Nova!” a familiar voice called out, breaking through her thoughts. She turned to see her parents approaching, their faces etched with a mixture of confusion and concern. They walked with a steady, reassuring presence, their love and support evident in their every step.
She turned to Alice, who stood nearby, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. “I need to go say my goodbyes,” Nova murmured, her voice filled with a sense of urgency. Alice nodded, her usual teasing demeanor replaced with quiet support.
“In case I don’t see you again,” Alice said softly, her voice carrying a tinge of sadness, “I’ll contact you through the system when I’m able to.” She gave Nova a heartfelt hug, a gesture that spoke volumes about their long-standing friendship.
With a tear falling down her face, Nova turned and left the office room. She walked swiftly through the corridors of the elfin building, her mind racing with the enormity of the task ahead. Each step felt heavy, burdened by the weight of impending responsibility and the finality of her preparations.
She entered her dorm room, a space cluttered with books and magical artifacts. The room, usually a haven of order, seemed chaotic in the face of her impending departure. She hurriedly gathered essential items: a pouch of enchanted seeds, a vial of protective potion, and an amulet for focusing her magic. Her fingers brushed against the cool metal of the amulet, grounding her amidst the whirlwind of emotions. Beside her bed, a blueish-white crystal caught her eye. She picked it up, injecting a touch of mana into it. A slideshow of images and memories began to play, each one a reminder of her life and experiences. Tears streamed down her face as she stored the crystal away, knowing it held a piece of her heart.
Once she had packed everything she could, Nova left her dorm room and exited the building. The courtyard stretched out before her, and she turned left to face the once-majestic tree of Aetheril. The sight was heart-wrenching: the tree, now withering, was streaked with sickly blackish-purple lines, and the mana in the air felt thick and sluggish. The decay was a visible testament to the world’s plight, and it pained her to see it so diminished.
“Nova!” a voice called out, breaking her reverie. She turned to see her mother, Lyra, and father, Eldric, approaching her with worried expressions.
Lyra’s eyes were filled with concern as she asked, “Nova, are you okay? We came by to see how you were, and noticed you weren’t at work. Is everything alright?”
Eldric, his face etched with worry, joined in. “We thought you’d be at the office. What’s going on? Why are you crying, my little girl?” He reached out and wrapped Nova in a comforting hug, his strong arms providing a semblance of stability amidst her emotional turmoil.
Nova struggled to compose herself, her emotions threatening to overwhelm her. “I—I’ve…” she sighed, trying to find the right words. “It’s a long story, but the system gave me a new assignment.” Her voice was shaky, fraught with the weight of her task. “It’s a massive responsibility, and I needed to prepare. But I don’t know what I’ll need—I’m just… so overwhelmed.” She embraced her mother next, finding solace in her warmth.
“I was coming to say my goodbyes to you both,” Nova added, her voice choked with emotion as she stood in the dim, flickering light of the evening.
Lyra, with her silver hair softly illuminated by the glow, gently stroked her daughter’s hair, her own eyes misting over with unshed tears. She pulled Nova into a warm, lingering embrace, the scent of lavender and forest leaves enveloping them. “Oh, Nova,” she said softly, her voice trembling slightly. “We’re so incredibly proud of you. But remember, no matter where you go or what you do, we’re always here for you. Our hearts are with you every step of the way.”
Eldric, his tall figure shadowed against the backdrop of their small, ancient home, looked around with a wary glance, ensuring their private moment was not interrupted. His brow furrowed in concern as he focused on Nova, his voice low and urgent. “What is your assignment?” he asked, his tone serious and tinged with a father’s worry.
Nova took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her impending responsibility press heavily upon her chest. The gravity of the task seemed almost too much to bear, like a storm cloud threatening to burst. She hesitated, her eyes flickering with uncertainty, then drew herself up with renewed resolve. With a subtle gesture and a flicker of magic, she projected the quest details into the air between them, the swirling lights casting an ethereal glow on her determined face.
Eldric and Lyra’s eyes widened in astonishment as they read the glowing text that hovered before them. The quest’s specifics were laid out clearly: “Travel to the world of Earth and assist Noah in nurturing the World Tree: Elysian. Reward: Revival of your home world tree: Aetheril.”
Lyra’s hand flew to her mouth, her breath catching in her throat. Her eyes widened in shock and awe. “A World Tree?” she whispered, her voice barely more than a breath. “That’s… that’s extraordinary. It’s a chance we could only dream of, but… the risks…”
Eldric, still casting wary glances around, nodded gravely. “This is no small task, Nova. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but it comes with incredible risks. The weight of such a responsibility is immense. Are you sure you’re ready for this?”
Nova nodded, her resolve hardening despite the trembling of her hands. “I have to be. The Aetheril tree… it’s dying. If I don’t do this, we might lose it forever. I can’t let that happen.”
Lyra took Nova’s hands in hers, her touch warm and comforting. She squeezed them gently, her eyes reflecting a mixture of pride and worry. “You’ve always been so brave and dedicated. We trust you to make the right choices. Just promise us you’ll take care of yourself, no matter what.”
Eldric stepped closer, his large hand resting reassuringly on Nova’s shoulder. “We know you’re capable, Nova. Your heart and spirit have always been your greatest strengths. And no matter what happens, we’ll be here, supporting you from afar. Remember, our love and belief in you are as boundless as the stars.”
With a final, heartfelt embrace, Nova felt the profound strength of her parents’ love bolstering her courage. As they parted ways, she turned once more to face the withering Aetheril tree, a renewed determination burning in her heart. The countdown clock continued to tick down, each second echoing the urgency of her quest.
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