As evening approached, Poon packed his documents and school supplies into his backpack. He lifted his chair and neatly placed it upside down on his desk to clear the floor.
"Hey, Poon! Let's go check out the new amulet shop that just opened right in front of the school!" Charles De Vondu walked over, eagerly inviting his friend.
Poon flashed a warm smile and readily agreed. He had always been fascinated by supernatural lore, and a shop dedicated to mystical artifacts—especially ones with hidden history—sounded incredibly intriguing. Besides, with his mysterious 11:00 PM appointment looming tonight—a meeting that promised something as unbelievable as crossing into another dimension—he couldn't help but wonder who this guy named Chiron really was. How trustworthy could he actually be?
Despite his mounting doubts, a part of Poon had already completely chosen to believe him. He secretly chided himself for being so gullible, but there was no turning back now. He would just have to prove the truth with his own eyes tonight.
"Hey, Poon... is something wrong?" Charles asked softly.
Poon had been standing completely frozen for several minutes, utterly lost in thought over his conversation with the Occult Club President.
"Ah! Uh... It's nothing! I was just overthinking things," Poon snapped out of it quickly.
Charles looked at him with genuine concern. "Alright... as long as you're okay. You've been spacing out a lot lately, Poon."
"I guess I've just been a bit distracted. Because, well... in another year, we'll have to make big decisions about higher education and our future," Poon lied. He hated deceiving his best friend, but he didn't want Charles worrying over something so bizarre that Poon might have just conjured up in his own head. Though, to be fair, the anxiety about their future studies was entirely real.
"Is that so? But we still have two whole years left! That's plenty of time to think," Charles reasoned with a soft chuckle. "Even so... you already know what you want to be when you grow up, right, Poon?"
Poon already had his answer locked deep within his heart.
"Poon wants to be a pianist, just like Mom," the little cougar declared softly. "Poon wants to play the piano so beautifully that everyone turns to look. My music is my dream... and even now, I really want to make it come true."
As he spoke, Poon extended his hands into the empty air, his fingers gracefully mimicking the motion of pressing down on ivory piano keys.
Seeing the pure determination in his friend's eyes, Charles smiled warmly. "Wow, you already have a clear dream. That's wonderful. Personally, I still have no idea what I want to do. I'm actually a bit jealous, haha!"
Poon giggled softly. "No way. I'm certain that you'll find your dream soon too, Charles."
Before long, the two felines arrived at their destination. The sign out front read: E.E. Charm & Amulet Shop.
They slid the door open, stepping inside to find a brown-furred wolf holding a large crate brimming with various magical trinkets.
"Customers? Welcome to E.E. Hang on a moment, I'll go call the boss," the wolf greeted. He was dressed in an exotic attire that resembled traditional Arabian or Indian garments. He vanished into the back of the shop, loudly shouting for someone named 'Epsilon.' Poon observed that the employee looked to be around the same age as Benkei Betax. He assumed the wolf was just a high school student working a part-time job, though Poon couldn't recall ever seeing his face around campus.
"I'm coming! Geez, no need to shout, Nakia!"
The shop owner finally emerged, and Poon couldn't help but blink in utter astonishment. The man was middle-aged, but his physical appearance was completely bizarre—he didn't look like any ordinary animal beastman. He was a striking hybrid of multiple species: his facial structure and nose distinctly belonged to a shark, his entire body was coated in deep blue fur, his ears were long and elegant like a rabbit's, and his hands resembled those of a rodent.
Wears a striking red vest pulled open at the chest and a rugged brown backpack, Epsilon walked alongside Nakia. He lifted the heavy inventory crate the wolf had been carrying and carted it back into the storage room.
"My, why the terrified faces? If it makes you feel more comfortable, you can just look at me as a regular fox," the chimera-like man chuckled, returning to the counter. "Anyway, you boys came for amulets, right? One quick glance and I can already tell—this young man over here is desperately searching for a charm related to love, isn't he?"
Epsilon pointed a finger directly at Charles. Caught completely off guard, Charles flushed a deep crimson and tightly gripped Poon's arm, burying his face out of sheer embarrassment. Poon couldn't help but think that Charles looked exactly like a cute, helpless housecat at that moment.
"H-How did you know?!" Charles stammered against Poon's sleeve.
"Just a lucky guess," Epsilon replied smoothly with a grin. "Most high schoolers who step foot in here are looking for luck in love anyway. Statistically speaking, it was a safe bet. Now, Nakia... go help this young man find what he needs in the back. As for you, my fair-faced, adorable little friend... could we have a little private chat?"
Epsilon pointed directly at Poon, pinching his thumb and index finger together to signal it would only take a moment. Poon stood frozen in utter confusion.
Without delay, Nakia ushered a deeply flustered Charles toward the inner displays of the shop, leaving the little mountain lion alone with the eccentric shopkeeper.
"I'm sure you heard Nakia call my name earlier, but allow me to introduce myself properly," the man said, leaning over the counter. "My name is Epsilon Equinox. You can just call me Ep for business convenience."
Poon nodded politely, offering a bright, innocent expression. "Hello, Uncle Ep. My name is Poon."
Hearing the word 'Uncle,' Epsilon visibly flinched, though he quickly shook it off. He reached beneath the counter and produced a small, ornate box.
"You're currently on a quest to find the World Tree, aren't you?" Ep stated flatly.
The words struck Poon like a lightning bolt. His mind raced in panic. How could he possibly know that? Can this guy read my mind?!
"Uncle Ep... how do you know about my connection to the World Tree?" Poon asked, his voice trembling slightly.
Epsilon nodded twice in confirmation, still looking a bit miffed about the 'Uncle' title. "A rather arrogant-looking grey wolf came by the shop earlier. He left a necklace for you and told me the legend of the World Tree, so that's how I know."
Chiron... Poon realized instantly. "And you actually believe him, Uncle Ep?"
The question caused Epsilon to burst into a booming laugh. "Kid, if I didn't believe in the mystical, would I be running an amulet shop? This kind of lore is exactly what gives these charms their value and makes them sell!"
He opened the box, revealing a stunning silver necklace crafted in the intricate shape of a sprawling tree.
"This is called the 'Blessing of the Sylvan.' It is said to protect its wearer from all forms of malice and harm."
Ep gently handed it over, and Poon carefully slipped it around his neck.
"That wolf who plays at being a wizard mentioned that this artifact would be vital for your future. As for the price... he told me to charge you 9,000 yen upfront."
Poon's face instantly paled. 9,000 yen was an astronomical amount for a high schooler! He frantically fumbled for his wallet, checking to see if he even had enough cash.
Seeing his reaction, Epsilon let out a heavy sigh, tossing his head back. "Whoa, whoa, hold on! I was just pulling your leg, kiddo. Geez, I would never swindle a sweet kid like you; my conscience would kill me. That wolf actually paid for it in full before he left."
Ep shook his head, looking at Poon with a mixture of amusement and pity. He couldn't believe how incredibly naive and easily manipulated this boy was.
"Young man, you need to be a lot more careful out there. If you're this gullible and just blindly go along with whatever people tell you, you're going to have a brutal time in the real world." Ep chided gently, taking on the role of a responsible adult.
"Thank you so much for the amulet, Uncle Ep," Poon thanked him sincerely, completely ignoring the lecture. "But... could you tell me more about the World Tree? Anything at all?"
"The World Tree?" Ep echoed, tapping his chin. "Well, according to ancient Norse mythology, it's a cosmic tree that links the nine realms together. But according to that strange wolf friend of yours, the World Tree serves as a gateway connecting entirely different dimensions. He hypothesized that you might be receiving a calling from another version of yourself in a parallel universe, begging you to save their world."
Poon absorbed the words, his face twisting into a knot of confusion. Another version of me? In another dimension?
"Yeah, I can see the gears grinding in your head," Epsilon chuckled, noticing Poon's blank stare. "Do you believe in parallel universes? The theory states that an infinite number of realities exist simultaneously, and there is a version of you in every single one of them. In this world, you might be an ordinary student. But in another, you could be a prince. And in another, you might be a total beggar."
Poon's brain officially hit maximum capacity. Sensing that the boy's mind was completely fried from the information overload, Epsilon decided to cut the lecture short.
Suddenly, a loud, angry shout shattered the quiet atmosphere from the back of the shop.
"Betax is absolutely not like that!"
It was Charles's voice.
Before Poon could react, the young cat came stomping out of the aisle, his face flushed with pure irritation. "I'm sorry, Poon, but I'm heading home right now. I'll see you tomorrow at school!" Charles snapped, storming straight out of the shop without once looking back.
Poon turned his head, staring blankly at Epsilon and Nakia, who had just walked out of the back room looking thoroughly guilty.
"Nakia! What did you say to the customer?!" Epsilon barked, crossing his arms angrily. "I swear I'm docking your wages for this!"
"I didn't mean anything by it!" Nakia muttered defensively, avoiding eye contact. "I just teased him a bit. I asked if his boyfriend was only dating him to get a share of his family's massive inheritance."
Poon's expression darkened with sadness. "Mr. Nakia, that was incredibly out of line. I might not fully understand the depths of their relationship myself, but I know for a fact that there is absolutely no way Betax is dating Charles for his money."
Epsilon let out a defeated sigh. "Look, kid, please pass on our deepest apologies to your friend. I'll make sure this idiot gets a proper punishment." Ep firmly grabbed the back of Nakia's neck, forcing the brown wolf to bow deeply alongside him.
Poon accepted the apology on Charles's behalf and stepped out of the shop. Outside, the vibrant orange dusk was slowly being swallowed by a heavy, blue-grey blanket of evening clouds. Realizing how late it was getting, Poon knew he needed to head back to his dorm immediately.
As he walked, his hand instinctively gripped the silver tree amulet resting against his chest, his mind swirling with thoughts of the World Tree. Suddenly, a sharp vibration in his left pants pocket jolted him back to reality. He pulled out his phone to check the incoming message. It was from his older brother, Lim.
[Big Brother Lim]: Got a music gig with the guys tonight, so you'll have to head back to the dorm on your own. You still remember the way, right? Don't get lost. I'll drive over to pick you up tomorrow like usual.
Attached to the message was a digital map pin. Lim had clearly sent it out of fear that his naturally clumsy younger brother would lose his way. A bright, genuine smile spread across Poon's face.
Growing up, Poon and Lim hadn't always gotten along. As a child, Poon was notoriously frail and weak, while Lim was exceptionally strong, athletic, and possessed a wild, rebellious streak that often led him into fights.
One fateful day back during their elementary school years in Thailand, a gang of older delinquents who held a bitter grudge against Lim decided to take their revenge out on Poon. They cornered the frail cougar cub and locked him inside the school bathroom. Lim had found out and charged in like a raging storm, tearing through the bullies to save his little brother just in time.
It was during that traumatic event that Lim came to a painful realization: his own reckless, delinquent behavior had directly caused his innocent brother to become a target. On that very day, Lim made a solemn, sacred vow—he promised that he would protect Poon with his life for as long as he lived.
From that moment onward, the ice between them melted completely. Lim became fiercely protective and doted on Poon constantly. Having his older brother by his side had always brought Poon an immeasurable sense of safety and comfort.
But tonight, Lim wasn't there. Poon was entirely on his own, and he knew it was time to start standing on his own two feet.
By the time Poon had walked a considerable distance, the clock already read 7:30 PM. His stomach let out a ferocious growl, reminding him that he hadn't eaten dinner yet.
"Heading home this late on an empty stomach is highly detrimental to your health, you know."
A deep, commanding, yet intimately familiar voice echoed from the street. Poon turned around to see a sleek black car pulling up along the left curb. Lowering the window was the school's fearsome infirmary doctor.
"Dr. Etharus! Good evening, sir!" Poon greeted politely.
Taking one look at the boy's exhausted and hungry expression, the massive wild boar doctor made a quick decision. He leaned over and popped the passenger door open. "Get in. I'll treat you to dinner at a place nearby."
Before Poon could even process the invitation, he found himself being driven through the bustling streets of Nagoya. Within minutes, Dr. Etharus pulled up in front of a cozy, traditional ramen shop. The rich, heavenly aroma of boiling broth washed over them the moment they stepped inside. The shopkeeper, a burly bull beastman, greeted them warmly from behind the counter.
"Good evening, Doctor! The usual Shio Ramen for you tonight?" the owner asked.
The boar professor nodded firmly, before turning his gaze toward Poon, gesturing for him to place his order.
"Uh... I'll have..." Poon hesitated, his eyes darting nervously toward his teacher.
Dr. Etharus let out a heavy sigh. Having spent years dealing with anxious students, he read the young cougar's mind instantly.
"You don't need to overthink it, kid. Go ahead and order pork if that's what you want," Etharus said calmly. "As you've undoubtedly been taught in biology class, modern beastmen no longer possess the primal ferocity that causes them to lose control upon consuming meat. Go ahead and eat whatever your heart desires. The old myths about carnivore beastmen going wild from meat belong to a bygone era. Modern science has genetically suppressed those predatory instincts. While it may not be a absolute 100%, it is scientifically guaranteed that no one is going to snap."
Poon felt a wave of relief wash over him. "In that case... I'll have the Shoyu Ramen, please!"
Poon took a seat at the counter bar, eagerly awaiting his food. As he stole a glance at his companion, he couldn't help but reflect on how different the doctor seemed right now. In school, Dr. Etharus was widely feared as a strict, no-nonsense authority figure. Yet here he was, personally driving a student out and treating him to dinner. He was actually incredibly kind.
"Thank you so much for the meal, Professor," Poon said softly.
Etharus gave a silent, stoic nod just as two steaming bowls of ramen were set before them. Poon took his first sip of the broth and practically melted. The noodles were perfectly firm, and the savory, balanced flavor of the shoyu broth was divine. It wasn't his first time eating ramen, but tonight, it tasted exceptionally delicious.
"So, how are your studies progressing?" Etharus broke the silence, taking a steady slurp of his noodles. "Teacher Zetagon mentioned to me that you've been severely lacking focus during his lectures lately."
The sudden mention of his grades caught Poon entirely off guard. He accidentally swallowed a noodle wrong, letting out a sharp cough as his face flushed.
"W-Well... that's true," Poon confessed honestly, realizing he was far too terrible a liar to even attempt a cover-up. "Lately, I just haven't been able to concentrate. I suppose I'm just incredibly anxious about the future."
"I am merely an infirmary doctor who teaches a bit of basic biology," Etharus stated thoroughly, his tone softening as he reached out and gently patted Poon's head. "But whatever your future holds, or whatever goals you choose to set for yourself... take your time. There is absolutely no need to rush. Do not worry. Once you make your decision, as long as you put your heart into it, you will not fail. Just dedicate yourself completely."
The warm gesture and comforting words felt like a soft blanket over Poon's anxious heart. The intimidating doctor truly had a wonderful, hidden side to him.
"Thank you, Professor. I feel a lot better now," Poon said, flashing a bright smile.
By the time they finished their bowls, the clock was nearing 8:00 PM.
"Come on. I'll drive you back to your dorm," Etharus offered, standing up to pay the bill.
Poon hesitated for a fraction of a second before nodding gratefully. "Really? Thank you so much for your trouble, sir."
They climbed back into the black car, buckling their seatbelts as the vehicle smoothly merged into the nighttime traffic. The amber glow of the streetlights washed over the interior, casting long shadows across the dashboard. The silence stretched until Dr. Etharus suddenly tightened his grip on the steering wheel, his expression turning grim.
"Mr. Phisanmon... I have a vital warning for you."
Poon blinked, turning to look at his teacher.
"I am fully aware of what Epsilon discussed with you regarding your absurd quest to find the 'World Tree.' I have no intention of policing your personal curiosities, but under no circumstances are you to trust that boy, Chiron."
Poon's heart skipped a beat. He was shocked that the doctor knew about his quest, but the explicit warning against Chiron piqued his curiosity even more.
"Chiron transferred into our school last year under highly irregular circumstances," Etharus explained, his eyes locked strictly on the road ahead. "He deliberately isolates himself from the student body, established that ridiculous Occult Research Club, and unironically calls himself 'The Magician.' He might look like a harmless, chuunibyou teenager playing make-believe, and normally I wouldn't care who you associate with, but..."
The doctor paused, deliberately slowing down the car as if carefully weighing his next words.
"Don't you find it deeply alarming? How could a total stranger possibly know the exact details of the voice inside your head regarding the World Tree?"
Poon looked down, his fingers tightening around his safety belt. "I... I did find it strange, Professor. But I didn't ask him how he knew."
"Whatever twisted game that boy is playing, his actions will ultimately drag this entire world to its absolute ruin," Etharus stated, his voice dropping to a harsh, commanding register that was completely devoid of his earlier warmth. "Forget about whatever foolish plans you have made for tonight. Go straight back to your room, crawl into bed, and go to sleep."
Poon closed his eyes, taking a deep, shuddering breath. He weighed the doctor's logical warnings against the relentless, mystical echo in his mind. When he opened his eyes, the boyish hesitation was gone, replaced by a fierce, unyielding resolve.
"Even though you are saying this out of care for me, Professor... I must refuse," Poon said clearly.
Etharus's head snapped toward him, his eyes blazing with sudden fury. "You foolish boy! Are you completely incapable of listening to your elders?! I just told you that following his orders will result in the utter annihilation of this world—and you along with it! You will regret this for the rest of your miserable life!"
The sheer weight of the doctor's anger filled the car, but Poon did not flinch. He placed his right hand firmly over his chest, right above his heart.
"I can feel your anger, Professor. And I know it comes from a place of deep worry and genuine care for my safety. But even if I go back to my room and force myself to sleep right now, it won't stop the voice screaming inside my head. Even if Chiron is exactly the dangerous person you claim he is... he is the only door I have left to find the answers I need. And finally... there is one more thing I want you to understand, sir."
Poon looked directly into the wild boar's furious eyes, his gaze burning with absolute conviction.
"Chiron genuinely believes in me. But you, Professor... you don't believe in me at all. That is why I refuse to follow your orders. Please pull over and let me out right now!"
The car came to a sudden, violent screeching halt along the curb.
Etharus stared at the young cougar for a long beat, the anger slowly draining from his face, replaced by a grim, knowing smirk. "Hmph. It seems you're not nearly as gullible and easily manipulated as that fox claimed you were."
Hearing those words, Poon's fierce demeanor vanished instantly, and he flashed a bright, childish grin. "I told you, I'm not that easy to trick!"
He popped the passenger door open, realizing the doctor had pulled up directly in front of his dormitory gates. Poon turned back to offer a proper thank you, but before the words could leave his mouth, the black car accelerated violently away into the darkness, leaving a trail of exhaust behind.
Poon walked up the stairs and unlocked his dorm room. The clock on the wall read exactly 9:00 PM.
He stepped into his bedroom, which was entirely bathed in a beautiful palette of ocean blue. Plushies of various shapes and sizes lined the shelves and furniture. Part of the room's interior design had actually been arranged by a close friend of Lim's. Since Poon was born in March, they had chosen a serene marine theme for him. Aside from the ocean decor, Poon also possessed a vast collection of plushies representing the various signs of the zodiac, neatly aligned against the wall.
As he was changing out of his school uniform, his eyes fell upon a stray plushie on the floor. "Huh? Why is the sheep plushie torn?"
Poon picked it up carefully. A noticeable tear ran along its side. He suddenly remembered stepping on it during his clumsy rush this morning. A cold prickle of dread washed over him. His older brother, Lim, was born in April—under the sign of Aries, the Ram. Is this... an omen of bad luck for Big Bro? Shaking the superstitious dread from his head, Poon decided he couldn't just leave it broken. He grabbed a sewing kit, quickly took a warm shower, and sat down at his desk to carefully stitch the sheep plushie back together.
"There. All fixed," Poon breathed a sigh of relief, setting the plushie gently back on its shelf.
He glanced at the clock: 10:00 PM. It was time to move.
Dressed in a simple light blue T-shirt and sturdy brown trousers, Poon grabbed a thick, dark blue long-sleeved jacket to protect himself against mosquito bites in the night. He stepped downstairs, laced up his light blue sneakers, and pulled his bicycle out from the dorm's parking rack.
Following the strict advice Lim had drilled into him about long-distance cycling, Poon took a few minutes to properly stretch and warm up his muscles. He mounted a bright flashlight onto the front handlebars, hopped onto the seat, and began pedaling through the midnight streets toward the school.
To ensure he didn't exhaust himself before the ritual even began, Poon maintained a steady pace, eventually pulling over near a brightly lit convenience store to catch his breath.
As he rested, he spotted two familiar figures walking side by side down the sidewalk. It was Charles and Betax. If he recalled correctly, Betax had invited everyone out stargazing tonight. It seemed that since everyone else had declined, the two cats were currently enjoying some deeply romantic, exclusive quality time together. Even though Poon was entirely clueless when it came to romance, he could tell they looked absolutely perfect together.
"Charles! Betax!" Poon called out cheerfully, waving his hand.
The two felines stopped in their tracks, turning around in surprise. The moment Charles recognized Poon, his eyes widened, and he marched over with an authoritative scold.
"Poon! What on earth are you doing out riding your bike all alone at this ungodly hour?! Aren't you afraid of thieves or criminals?! Do you have any idea how dangerous this is?!"
Poon's mind blanked. He was entirely trapped, and because he was notoriously terrible at lying, his face contorted into a thoroughly suspicious look. "Uh... well... the thing is... I accidentally forgot my homework notebook inside the classroom!"
Betax stepped forward, offering a kind smile. "Oh, is that all? Tell you what, why don't I sneak in and grab it for you? You can just come pick it up from my place tomorrow morning."
Poon's eyes went wide with panic. He waved his hands frantically in refusal. "No, no, no! There's absolutely no need, Betax! You and Charles should just continue walking home together. I can handle the notebook perfectly fine on my own. Besides, you two just got back from stargazing under the midnight sky... walking back alone together like this is so incredibly romantic!"
The words caused both Charles and Betax to freeze, their faces instantly erupting into a deep scarlet blush. While the two cats stood paralyzed, staring at each other in agonizing embarrassment, Poon seized the golden opportunity. He slammed his feet onto the pedals, accelerating away like a bullet.
"Poon! Wait! Come back here—!" Charles's frantic shout echoed from behind, followed by Betax's distant warning: "Poon, just be careful out there!"
Poon arrived at the locked school gates shortly before 11:00 PM. Standing right before the entrance was Chiron. The grey wolf was dressed in an elaborate, light brown mage's cloak that billowed softly in the wind. In the dim moonlight, he genuinely looked like a powerful sorcerer from a fantasy novel.
Chiron signaled with a sharp wave of his hand, and the two swiftly snuck past the perimeter. The wolf navigated the pitch-black school grounds with absolute ease, his predatory night-vision giving him a distinct advantage in the dark.
"Listen closely, because I am only going to explain the parameters of your mission once," Chiron whispered as they crept through the shadows. "Your objective is to step through the gateway within the World Tree, cross over into that alternate dimension, and save that world from impending doom. As for the finer details of the crisis... someone else will fill you in once you arrive on the other side."
Chiron stopped walking, turning back to see Poon standing completely frozen, his jaw dropped in utter disbelief.
"Sigh... fine. Since we still have a few minutes before the cosmic alignment is perfect, I'll fill you in on the historical context. Listen well."
Chiron led Poon toward the grand courtyard at the center of the campus, where a colossal, ancient Banyan tree stood. According to the historical documents Poon had read in the library, this tree was verified to be at least 3,000 years old, yet it continued to thrive and grow endlessly, completely defying a natural lifespan. Chiron gestured for Poon to take a seat on a nearby stone bench while the wolf remained standing, casting a long shadow over the boy.
"Epsilon already laid out the baseline for you," Chiron began, his voice echoing softly against the massive trunk. "Our reality is merely one of the countless worlds linked together by the roots and branches of the World Tree. Under normal circumstances, knowledge of this gateway is strictly gatekept, reserved exclusively for the High Sages and the designated Guardians of the World Tree. But ask yourself this, Poon... if an entity of pure malice, a demon or a tyrant, were to discover this reality... what do you think would happen?"
Poon thought back to Epsilon's lecture, his brow furrowing. "They would be able to travel freely across dimensions... and destroy those worlds? But... how could simply entering and leaving a world cause its destruction?"
"Because our universe is merely a single branch breaking off from a larger bough," Chiron explained grimly. "If a specific branch is severed or fractured, that entire dimension immediately loses its cosmic equilibrium. The realm becomes completely uninhabitable. Crops will instantly wither and turn to ash, livestock will drop dead, and the population will be plunged into a desperate, eternal famine. If an absolute dictator were to seize control of the World Tree, ruling over the multiverse would be child's play. They could simply snap any branch they wished, erasing entire civilizations at a whim."
"The voice you have been hearing in your head belongs to the current Guardian of the World Tree," Chiron continued, pointing a clawed finger directly at Poon's chest. "In that alternate world, a catastrophic Demon King is currently waging a war to conquer the Tree. To protect its sacred essence from falling into evil hands, the Guardian was forced to permanently fuse their own life force into the tree's core to mask its presence—a desperate measure passed down by ancestral protectors. And now... the cosmic wheel has turned. The one destined to become the next protector is you."
Poon felt a heavy, suffocating weight crash onto his shoulders. His mind reeled. What on earth is going on? Me? Saving an entire world from a Demon King? He had never once considered himself a hero, let alone the main character of an epic tale.
"But... why me? Why does it have to be me?!" Poon cried out, his voice laced with insecurity as he tightly wrapped his arms around himself to ward off a sudden, icy chill.
"The answer is as brutal as it is simple," Chiron replied flatly, his bared fangs catching the moonlight. "Across the infinite web of parallel realities... every single other version of you is already dead. Your soul possesses a unique cosmic anomaly. Your destiny was written in the stars from the moment of your birth: you are fated to die so that the world may live."
Hearing the word 'die' shattered Poon's remaining composure. The sheer absurdity and terror of it all caused something inside the gentle cougar to snap. He lunged forward, grabbing Chiron tightly by the collar of his elaborate mage cloak, his knuckles turning white.
"What kind of sick joke is this?!" Poon screamed, his voice cracking as hot tears spilled over his cheeks. "I've been sitting here patiently listening to all this nonsense about the World Tree and alternate dimensions, and now you're telling me I'm supposed to just go there and die?! I refuse to accept that! I have a dream! I want to be a pianist! What do you mean my fate is to be a sacrifice?!"
Chiron did not pull away. He looked down at the boy's tear-stained, furious face, and a soft, enigmatic smile spread across his lips.
Seeing that calm smile, Poon's fiery rage vanished as quickly as it had arrived. Realizing his own uncharacteristic violence, he slowly let go of the wolf's collar, his hand instinctively dropping to grip the silver tree amulet around his neck. He forced his breathing to slow down, trying to regain his composure.
"I... I'm sorry," Poon whispered, looking down in shame. "But... am I really going to die, Chiron?"
"Are you terrified?" Chiron asked softly. "Knowing that death awaits you?"
"Of course I'm terrified! Who wouldn't be scared of dying?!" Poon shot back, wiping his tears. "I don't have any superpowers or magical abilities. I'm just an ordinary kid."
"That's a fair point," Chiron conceded, his smile widening into one of absolute confidence. "But seeing your fierce reaction just now only makes me more certain that you are the only one who can pull this off."
"Why would you think that?"
Chiron reached into the folds of his cloak, producing a massive, leather-bound grimoire adorned with glowing mystical runes.
"If you want to know how I am certain, you'll have to ask the version of me waiting on the other side. But for now, I can tell you this: the Poon of this reality is the absolute strongest version across the entire multiverse. You are resilient, unyielding, and despite your innocence, you aren't nearly as easily fooled as people think. And besides... if you were truly consumed by the terror of death, you would have never shown up to meet me tonight, right?"
Chiron flipped open the grimoire, the pages crackling with latent energy.
Poon's face flushed slightly. He tapped his two index fingers together in a bashful gesture, looking up at the wolf shyly. "Well... I suppose you're right. Maybe I came here because I'm gullible, but... it's also because you genuinely believe in me, isn't it, Chiron? If you didn't trust in my strength, you would have never chosen me to bear this incredible responsibility. Am I right?"
Chiron's theatrical demeanor fractured for a split second. He sharply averted his gaze, nervously flipping through the pages of his book to hide his blushing face. "Believing? Trusting? When did I ever utter such sentimental nonsense? Don't be ridiculous."
Poon let out a cheerful, genuine laugh, completely delighted to have discovered a thoroughly cute and tsundere side to the feared school wizard.
"In that case... I officially accept the mission, Mr. Sorcerer," Poon declared. Though his voice still carried a trace of anxiety, he stood tall.
Chiron turned back, stepping forward to place a firm, heavy hand on Poon's shoulder. The touch carried no words, yet Poon could feel an immense sense of warmth and reassurance radiating from the wolf's normally cold eyes. It was a silent gesture of passing the torch.
Chiron marched to the base of the massive 3,000-year-old Banyan tree. He raised his wooden staff high into the air, chanting an incantation in an ancient, otherworldly language that Poon had never heard before.
"otvor dvere objednať odo mňa do svetový strom"
As the final syllable left his lips, a massive, glowing magic circle materialized beneath the roots. A sudden, violent gale swept through the courtyard, whipping up a storm of fallen leaves that swirled wildly around the trunk. The leaves adhered to the bark, and with a resounding crack, a massive vertical rift tore open down the center of the tree.
A brilliant, ethereal blue light cascaded out from the fracture, stretching from the highest branches down to the roots. Within seconds, the rift expanded into a perfect, swirling oval portal of pure inter-dimensional energy. The howling wind shifting into a gentle, rhythmic hum, swirling around Poon's body like a warm invitation, beckoning him to step through.
"Alright. From this moment onward, everything rests entirely in your hands," Chiron shouted over the hum of the portal. "I can no longer offer you any guidance, save for one sacred rule: never speak of inter-dimensional travel to anyone in that world, or it will trigger absolute cosmic chaos. Well... unless it is someone you already know and trust with your life. I am certain that destiny will cause you to cross paths with familiar souls."
Poon nodded firmly, taking Chiron's final warning to heart. He took a deep breath and stepped boldly into the swirling blue abyss.
"Oh! One more critical thing—!" Chiron suddenly remembered, his voice calling out urgently.
Poon spun around within the dimensional rift to listen, but it was too late. The massive reserves of mana sustaining the spell completely depleted, and the gateway slammed shut without warning, sealing the rift instantly.
"Wait... what was Chiron about to say?!" Poon called out into the void, but his voice was swallowed by the silence.
He was left entirely alone, walking through a vast, pitch-black corridor of nothingness, unsure of where his destination lay. Though he wasn't particularly afraid of the dark, the absolute isolation made his chest tighten with anxiety.
"Man, this is nothing like the anime or manga at all," Poon grumbled aloud to himself, trying to break the eerie silence. "Shouldn't there be a kaleidoscope of flashing colors, or shouldn't I be floating at high speed through a wormhole or something?"
"Flashing colors would only give you a massive migraine," a calm, melodic voice echoed from the void. "Besides... it isn't nearly as dark as you think it is."
Poon whipped his head around. Walking right beside him was a pristine, white-furred wolf.
The moment the wolf spoke, the oppressive darkness around them dissolved entirely, transforming into a breathtaking, infinite expanse of twinkling stars and swirling nebulae, as if they were walking directly through the heart of deep space.
The mysterious entity was dressed in an attire that perfectly matched the cosmos: a long scarf patterned with glowing constellations, a white tunic, and dark blue boots that seemed to merge seamlessly with the celestial floor beneath them.
"My name is Hoshino," the white wolf introduced himself with a gentle, reassuring smile. "Hoshino Haguruma. I am the Mover of Stars. I shall serve as your guide to shepherd your soul safely to the world known as Immerfest."
Before Poon could even reply, Hoshino extended his hand, pressing his palm flat against the empty space before them. He chanted a soft, melodic spell, and a brilliant, borderless white door materialized in the void.
Hoshino turned back to Poon, offering a warm, graceful wave of farewell as his physical form began to dissolve into shimmering stardust. Poon gave a determined nod, gripped his amulet, and stepped firmly through the white door.
The next thing Poon knew, he was waking up inside the hollow interior of a massive tree trunk. He blinked against the sudden brightness, slowly pushing aside a thick curtain of lush, green foliage to crawl outside.
It was high noon. The golden sun blazed brightly overhead, its light filtering through a dense, majestic canopy of ancient trees. The air was filled with the melodious symphony of exotic birds chirping in harmony, lulled by the gentle rustle of leaves dancing in the breeze. A sharp, crisp scent of wild grass and untamed flora rushed into his nose, causing the little mountain lion to fully open his striking green eyes.
Poon used his hands and arms to push himself up from the soft, mossy earth. He looked around in absolute awe. He was standing in the center of a breathtaking, primeval forest that stretched out as far as the eye could see. Enormous vines snaked across the landscape, linking massive trees of species he had never seen in any biology textbook.
Immerfest... The world he was destined to save.
Poon turned back around to inspect the tree he had just emerged from. It was a towering, magnificent Bodhi tree. Its sprawling branches spread so wide they practically eclipsed the sky, possessing a timeless, ethereal beauty that left Poon completely breathless. He walked over, pressing his palm against the ancient bark. The large hollow was still there, but when he peered inside, the magical white door had vanished entirely. There was no way back.
"Conducting a thorough reconnaissance of your surroundings before embarking on a journey is an excellent habit, Poon."
A deep, melodic voice echoed through the clearing. It sounded exactly like the mysterious voice that had been calling out to him inside his head for months.
Poon's heart leaped. He slowly turned his head around.
Standing just a few paces away was another cougar beastman who looked exactly like him. However, this version was dressed in a sweeping, pure white cloak intricately embroidered with patterns of leafy green vines. In his hand, he held an elegant wooden staff topped with a brilliant, glowing green gemstone.
The alternate version of himself walked barefoot across the moss, stopping right before Poon, his eyes shining with profound relief.
"Welcome to the world of Immerfest," the alternate self spoke softly, a gentle smile gracing his lips. "I am Puluna. You have finally found the World Tree."
"Find the World Tree... Find the World Tree."