"Wow! What a massive tree!"
As the train slowly pulled into Apricot Grove, a colossal tree towering into the heavens filled their vision.
This giant tree was many times larger than the Ambrosial Arbor of the Luofu—if you were to compare them, it would be like comparing a grandson to his ancestor...
March 7th, Stelle, Himeko, Welt, and even Dan Heng were all captivated by the awe-inspiring sight of this towering tree.
"This is Irminsul, the World Tree," Lumina explained, noticing their awestruck expressions. "It's the heart connecting Apricot Grove and the entire Sumeru Star System, the pulse of life itself."
"Irminsul... Is this another Divine Miracle bestowed by the Aeon of Abundance?" Welt murmured thoughtfully, snapping out of his reverie at Lumina's words.
Even the Ambrosial Arbor of the Xianzhou had never inspired such awe as this Irminsul. It was as if the Irminsul supported the entire sky, its lush canopy strangely failing to block a single ray of sunlight. The tree radiated an ancient, sacred aura, inspiring immediate reverence in anyone who gazed upon it.
"Hmm... No one truly knows whether the Irminsul is a Divine Miracle bestowed by the Aeon of Abundance." Though Welt's murmur was barely audible, Lumina caught his words. She shook her head gently, reminding him.
"From the day I was born, the Irminsul has stood tall above Apricot Grove's leyline..."
"Perhaps because its origins are lost to the mists of Time, even complete ancient texts contain no records connected to its creation."
Lumina's gaze remained fixed on the Irminsul as she shared Apricot Grove's enduring mystery with the crew of the Astral Express.
"But it doesn't matter. Whether documented or not, all we need to know is this: the Irminsul has always sheltered us, always protected us..."
"Knowing that is enough."
Lumina smiled—a radiant, sincere expression that conveyed her reverence for the Irminsul.
Hearing her words, the others nodded in agreement, sharing her sentiment.
Since we can't find any relevant information, let's focus on the present. We can worry about the future later.
"Sister Lumina, don't you find this strange?" While Himeko, Welt, and the others nodded in agreement with Lumina's view, March 7th looked at her with a worried expression and asked.
"Hmm? What's strange?" Lumina's gaze shifted to March 7th.
Could it be... that even in the story I've fabricated, March 7th could still spoil the story from the beginning?
"Sister Lumina, think about it! Irminsul has existed for so long. If it's the heart of Apricot Grove and the entire Sumeru Star System, how could there be no records of it at all?"
"The only explanation for this complete absence of information is that someone deliberately erased all traces of it!" March 7th declared earnestly, sharing her theory.
"Hmm... Pfft—" After a moment of silence, Lumina burst out laughing at March 7th's words.
Lumina reached out and gently ruffled March 7th's hair, her voice tinged with exasperation. "Silly March, of course Apricot Grove has plenty of information about Irminsul."
"It's just that there's no information about why Irminsul appeared or how it was born."
"You need to listen carefully when others are speaking, Little March."
As Lumina continued to ruffle March 7th's hair, she affectionately chided her.
"Ugh... You're right, heh heh heh." Having been gently corrected by Lumina, March 7th realized her oversight. She scratched her cheek, trying to hide her embarrassment.
Hmph~ So what if you foresaw it, March 7th? I'll just change it! ♪
Observing March 7th's flustered expression, Lumina let out a soft hmph in her heart, feeling a surge of smug satisfaction.
Thump... thump...
Just then, the Astral Express smoothly landed in Apricot Grove's docking area for ships and trains.
"Hmm... It's almost evening. Do you want to rest on the train, or would you like to come with me to Sumeru City for the night?" Lumina withdrew her hand and glanced through the window at the setting sun before turning to the group with her question.
"Sumeru City is the heart of Apricot Grove, its capital, and the most prosperous city in the Sumeru Star System," Lumina explained helpfully, sensing that the others might not be familiar with it.
"Hmm... Welt and I will stay on the Train tonight. Dan Heng, March, and Stelle, what about you?"
Hearing this, Himeko and Welt exchanged glances. After Welt shook his head, they turned their attention to the trio and the Little Swarm perched on Stelle's shoulder.
"I'll stay on the Train," Dan Heng replied.
"I'm going with Sister Lumina!" March 7th declared without hesitation.
Though her main motivation was to be with Sister Lumina, March 7th was also keenly curious about Sumeru City, the most bustling metropolis in the Sumeru Star System.
Lumina wasn't surprised by March 7th's answer. She nodded and turned to Stelle and Little Swarm.
"Stelle, Little Swarm, what about you two?"
"I want to go! I want to go!"
"Me too!"
Without a moment's hesitation, Stelle and Little Swarm both eagerly voiced their agreement.
(Here, the player would have two options: to go or to stay.)
-
Irminsul
The heart of Apricot Grove, where Leylines converge, pulses with an aura of sacred antiquity. Its origins remain shrouded in mystery, yet it has eternally sheltered all life within the Sumeru Star System.
Sumeru City
One of the cosmos's most renowned sacred grounds, this sanctuary of medical arts is so esteemed that even vast fortunes cannot secure admission. Regardless of the terminal illness, entering Sumeru City and receiving treatment guarantees a cure.
Located in the core region of the Sumeru Star System, it stands as one of the most prosperous areas in the entire cosmos.
Previously, the Sumeru Star System, Apricot Grove, and Sumeru City had been open to all, welcoming life from across the universe. However, due to their overwhelming popularity, entry thresholds were established.
(Those seeking medical treatment are exempt from these restrictions.)