Mirelia's creature, the little Glow Budling, was just as fascinated by the tree as his master. He almost seemed to bounce with joy, scampering toward the trunk on his stubby legs.
Biron couldn't help but chuckle. To him, it looked like a toad with leafy stems sprouting from its back. The way it waddled over made him grin.
"Sure is cute. You have to give him that, right?"
Mirelia, still in a daze, glanced at him and sighed.
"I guess. That might be the reason I just can't bring myself to kill him... But thanks again, Biron. I can feel the energy from this place, especially this tree. I wonder what it is… and if the school knows about it."
She stepped closer and placed a hand on the trunk.
"Well, Weldon did say there were other areas, not just for land-based creatures. So I think they do know. They probably restrict them, though… This one's likely the easiest to reach, so I guess we got lucky."
Biron shrugged. He didn't feel much difference himself—only faint pulses of aether—but they didn't pull at him the way they did her.
"So, how does it feel, being up close? It looks like it has all your attention."
He looked at her eyes. Her pupils had widened slightly, and her expression seemed strained, as if she were holding something back.
"It feels like I'm caught in a windstorm, trying not to get blown away... but instead of wind, it's aether. Still… it feels nice. Like I was meant to have it."
Mirelia gripped the bark, steadying herself as though it might sweep her off her feet.
[That's because this is a seedling of a World Tree. I suggest you leave now. You've absorbed enough aether—for now, any more would become poison.]
The voice came from behind. They turned to see a silver-haired boy with green vines threaded through his hair. Biron had thought his hair was just green before, but now realized it had stuff living on it.
"An Eluwyn? But why are you here?" Mirelia asked.
Biron remained silent, staring. He'd only seen a few Eluwyn in town, usually as slaves. This was the first time he stood before one, well at least close up that is.
[You don't need to know who I am. Just get out before you hurt yourself, girl.]
Biron, who seemed to understand that Mirelia was slightly flushed, nodded.
"Fine, we'll leave. But tell me… did she at least get a little stronger? We really need to find a way for her creature to grow."
He turned his eyes toward the Budling, who was resting near the tree, looking as though it had fallen asleep.
[Grow stronger? Why would I help you… Just leave.]
The Eluwyn's voice was sharp, and a dangerous glint flickered in his eyes. Biron didn't need a second warning—he grabbed Mirelia's arm and gently tugged her away.
"Let's go. I think you've had enough, Mirelia… You don't look too good."
Mirelia nodded faintly, her movements delayed, almost like her body was lagging behind her mind.
Biron quickened his pace, half-guiding, half-pulling her from the area.
The Budling, sensing its master moving farther away, rose unsteadily and began to follow—only to stop when it met the Eluwyn's gaze.
Biron didn't notice the silent exchange and kept walking.
After a few moments, Mirelia's breathing steadied, a stark contrast to the labored gasps she'd been taking just seconds earlier.
"That… place is dangerous," she said softly. "I would've stayed there and probably died if you—or the Eluwyn—hadn't told me to leave."
Her legs gave out beneath her, and she collapsed into the grass, still uneasy as insects buzzed around her. Then both of them noticed something strange: each bug was being knocked down rapidly. They turned, and their eyes widened.
The Budling had changed.
Its vine-like limbs were longer, more flexible, and the tiny buds clinging to its back had bloomed into pale white flowers. Its once-stumpy, toad-like body had slimmed, becoming more graceful and nimble.
"Is it… still the same creature?" Biron asked, squinting in disbelief.
"Yes?" Mirelia replied, blinking. "I can feel the same energy from him… I guess coming here really did help."
Both stood in awe as the Budling raised both arms and fired repeatedly, shooting down the buzzing insects with a calm rhythm. Before, it had only ever used one.
"Well, I guess we can leave… once you're feeling better," Biron said, helping her up. "We just need to get out before dark."
He glanced toward the horizon, the sun dipping lower. He wasn't sure if the same guard would be waiting when they returned.
"Yeah, let's go. My legs are starting to feel better, and I really don't want to stay here surrounded by all these bugs…"
Mirelia made a face of disgust as she looked around.
"Fine by me."
Following the same path they had used to enter, they reached the front gate. Mirelia claimed they had returned the book—though she still had it with her.
Fortunately, that was enough to get them let out, even if the guard looked skeptical about the boy's damp pants.
As they walked back through the city streets, Biron suddenly remembered that he had told his adoptive parents he'd be home late… and now he was returning only two hours afterward. He wondered what they might say.
Mirelia, on the other hand, didn't have to answer to anyone. She could come and go as she pleased—but at the moment, that freedom didn't seem to bring her much comfort.
"You know… I don't really need to go home just yet. Do you know anywhere I could hang out until my pants dry?"
She looked down and noticed his situation.
Mirelia was about to suggest he summon his creature to help, but then thought it would be nicer to just walk around a bit longer.
She didn't know the whole area well, but there were a few spots nearby she could show him—places she thought he might find interesting.
"I guess I do owe you," she said quietly. "How about a quick meal? There's this little shop I go to sometimes. We can stay there until you're dried off. I'll even ask if they've got some towels, if you need them."
Mirelia blushed slightly.
She wasn't used to making suggestions like that—being a loner, it was hard to tell if it came off right.
"Sure! I'd like that," Biron replied with a smile. "At least until I'm all dried up. Thanks, Mir!"