In the tense silence that followed Hanna’s heartfelt plea, a deep rumble vibrated through the Forest of Whispers, setting the very air aquiver. The tranquil harmony of the woodland was abruptly broken by the stirring of a formidable presence, one that had slumbered undisturbed for eons beneath the gnarled roots and vibrant foliage of the ancient forest.
Deep within the heart of the forest, two luminescent eyes snapped open, their glow illuminating the shadows under the dense canopy. As they blinked slowly, the surrounding mountains trembled, and the air thrashed violently, as if protesting the disturbance. This was no ordinary creature; this was the legendary Dragon of Life, a venerable Wood Dragon whose power resonated with the very essence of the forest.
This dragon, known amongst the forest denizens as Eldrathorn, held dominion over the realm of life, his power echoing the esteemed Tree of Way level. Despite being a major realm beneath Hanna in terms of raw power, Eldrathorn’s mastery and control over his abilities rendered him a formidable force, one whose capabilities in a battle could match even those above his realm.
Feeling the ripple of a power a major realm above his own, Eldrathorn communicated with the other guardians of the forest. A consensus emerged among them: to meet this intruder, to hear her out and avoid an unnecessary conflict that could devastate their cherished home. With a decision made, Eldrathorn took to the skies, his massive wings beating a tempest into the air, sending a thunderous roar echoing throughout the forest, startling every creature within its bounds.
Meanwhile, at the forest’s edge, Hanna stood frozen as the ground shook and a deafening roar filled the air. Her eyes widened in awe and a hint of fear as she beheld a sight few had ever lived to describe—a dragon, colossal in size, spanning 10 million miles, its scales shimmering with the life force of the forest. As the dragon flew closer, Hanna instinctively took a step back, her heart pounding in her chest.
Eldrathorn noticed the subtle retreat of this powerful being who had summoned him. His curiosity piqued, he wondered why someone of her apparent strength would show signs of nervousness. Landing before her, he chose to shift into a form less intimidating, one more conducive to dialogue.
In a swirl of emerald light, the massive dragon shrank, morphing into a young, handsome immortal clad in green robes. A translucent emerald scale gleamed between his brows, marking his noble lineage. Now in human form, Eldrathorn approached Hanna with a composed demeanor, his earlier ferocity replaced by a dignified calm.
“Greetings, cultivator of the realms above,” Eldrathorn’s voice was deep and melodious, resonating with the life force of the woods. “I am Eldrathorn, guardian of the Forest of Whispers. Your power is great, perhaps even greater than you realize. What brings you to our sacred groves?”
Hanna, recovering from her initial shock, collected her thoughts. Standing before the transformed dragon, she felt a blend of relief and a renewed sense of purpose. “Eldrathorn, I seek your aid. I need a crystal vein with wood attributes to create a network for my sect, to spread knowledge and empower those who have suffered much. I mean no harm to your forest or its guardians.”
Eldrathorn listened intently, his gaze assessing the sincerity and resolve shining in Hanna’s eyes. He sensed no deceit, only a fierce determination to aid others. “Your quest is noble,” he replied after a moment of contemplation. “And your approach respectful. I will grant you access to the crystal vein you seek. In return, I ask that you ensure our forest remains undisturbed, its secrets preserved.”
Hanna nodded eagerly, a wave of gratitude washing over her. “Thank you, Eldrathorn. I vow to protect the sanctity of your forest as fervently as I do my own sect.”
In the secluded glen where the veins of wood-attributed crystal lay hidden beneath ancient loam, Hanna paused, a thoughtful expression crossing her features. As she watched Eldrathorn, whose form still bore the majestic grace of his true dragon nature despite his human guise, a realization dawned upon her. The Dragon of Life was teetering on the brink of a monumental ascension, one that could elevate him to the realms of Endless Coil. He lacked only a spark—a piece of profound knowledge or inspiration—to make that final leap.
“Eldrathorn, please, give me just a moment,” Hanna said, her voice tinged with excitement and determination. She tapped into her Law of Space, her figure blurring momentarily before she disappeared from the glen, leaving a slight ripple in the air.
Within the span of a few heartbeats, Hanna reappeared, her hands carefully cradling an ancient scroll—the Endless Life Scripture. It was a revered artifact from the Room of Fortunes and Misfortune, known for its deep insights into life, energy, and the natural cycles of growth and decay.
“Eldrathorn, I have brought something that I believe will aid you,” Hanna began, stepping forward with a respectful grace. She unrolled the scroll slightly, letting the vibrant energy within pulse gently into the air, a testament to its power and sanctity. “This is the Endless Life Scripture, a tome of knowledge that I believe can inspire you to reach the Endless Coil. I offer this as a gift, to forge a strong alliance between the Forest of Whispers and the Forest Immortal Sect.”
Eldrathorn’s eyes widened slightly, a glimmer of surprise and respect flickering within them. He extended his hands, accepting the scroll with a reverence that spoke of his deep appreciation for such a gesture. “Hanna, this gift is beyond precious. It speaks volumes of your respect and your desire for true partnership. I accept this honor and the responsibility that accompanies it.”
Hanna smiled, her heart lightened by his acceptance. “I am glad, Eldrathorn. And, should you ever need to reach me, for any reason,” she continued, weaving a simple yet powerful communication spell into a small talisman, “use this. It will allow us to converse across any distance, even if realms apart.”
Eldrathorn took the talisman, examining the intricate runes etched upon its surface. “Thank you, Hanna. Your foresight and generosity are indeed rare.”
With the formal exchange completed, Hanna turned her attention back to the task at hand. She focused her energy, calling upon her mastery over space to manipulate the crystal vein. The air around her hands shimmered with spatial energy as she carefully infused the wood-attributed crystals with spatial fragments, enhancing their innate properties.
Eldrathorn watched, his expression a mix of admiration and intrigue, as Hanna lifted the vein from the earth. With precise movements, she divided the crystal into numerous tiny pieces, each no larger than a fingernail yet brimming with potent energy.
“This will ensure that every disciple can carry a piece of this foundation, linking them not only to the sect but also to the essence of this forest,” Hanna explained, her voice filled with a quiet intensity.
Eldrathorn nodded, his gaze following her hands. “Your control over your powers is impressive, Hanna. It is clear why you have achieved so much.”
With the crystals safely prepared and stored, Hanna prepared to depart. “Eldrathorn, I look forward to the growth of our alliance and the prosperity it will bring to both our realms.”
“As do I, Hanna. Your visit today has brought much more than I anticipated, and I am grateful for the paths it has opened,” Eldrathorn replied, his tone warm and filled with newfound respect and camaraderie.
As Hanna teleported away, leaving the Forest of Whispers behind, she felt a deep satisfaction knowing that her actions today had not only secured a vital resource for her sect but had also sown the seeds of a lasting friendship and alliance with one of the most powerful beings in the natural world.