Reinhart looked up at the massive tree and groaned. While it did seem amazing, this was a massive technicolored beacon that probably could almost be seen from the city of Belgrath. Even if they couldn't see it, Reinhart knew there was no way the other guards looking for them would not see this.
"This is really not what we need right now," Reinhart groaned, and Aldren nodded as he walked over to stand beside him.
"A problem, yes, but only a brief one. If you created this creature, then you should be able to command it to grow smaller," Aldren explained, making Reinhart turn his head to him with an extremely arched eyebrow.
"Creature? Is this not a tree? You just called it a Yolk Tree, right?" Reinhart asked, but as he spoke, he could feel a presence that pressed into his own senses.
"Yolk are only created by those able to command massive amounts of Mana. For you to... do what you did and create something so powerful only confirms what I already knew. You are really special, but you should try to command it to return to seed form, and then we will retreat to the city. I am sure we have drawn much unwanted attention, but the city is very well hidden," Aldren explained, but Reinhart had no clue what he meant.
Despite Aldren's hopeful commands, Reinhart felt a sense of uncertainty. He had never controlled anything before, let alone so immense. However, he knew they had to act quickly to avoid attracting unwanted attention due to the tree's gigantic size and vibrant colors. He tried to connect with the creature tree, uncertain about the feeling he was looking for.
"To control the Yolk tree, I have to...connect with it, right? Like a communication, a command?" Reinhart asked, trying to make sense of what he had to do.
"Correct. Feel the connection, command with authority. It likely recognizes you as its master, given its odd inception," Aldren explained with a hint of amusement in his voice.
Exhaling a deep breath, Reinhart reached out to touch the tree once again. He felt a strange warmth spreading within him, and slowly, he sensed a life connection, a wave of consciousness pressing up against his own. However, the imagined communication was not in words, but in raw emotions and innate intentions. It felt similar to what he felt after he summoned his Mana but much stronger. Reinhart became acutely aware that he was not only assuming his role but also living in it, commanding an immense life form created by his own actions.
"Return to seed form," he commanded, his voice strong and reverberating under the quiet forest canopy. The tree responded instantly, its bright hues dimming as its colossal size started to whittle down.
Within minutes, the towering structure had reduced to a small shrub-like figure, pulling into the palm of his hand. When it was done, the strange creature stood in Reinhart's hand looking up at him strangely.
"Interesting! Freshly created, and already mature enough to take a humanoid form!" Aldren laughed, slapping Reinhart's back.
Reinhart locked eyes with the creature, feeling an almost parental sense of responsibility. Despite its distinct appearance, it reminded him of a child, innocent and curious.
Feeling overwhelmed and amazed by the day's unfolding events, Reinhart patted the creature tree affectionately. "You did well, Yolk."
Seeing the visible bond between Reinhart and the Yolk tree, Aldren felt relieved and impressed. "Indeed, this connection might be far more beneficial than we anticipated," he remarked, a glint of fascination flickering in his eyes.
Just as the sentiment of success filled their hearts, a sudden intrusion of Aura interrupted them. Aldren's calm demeanor transformed instantly as danger loomed over. He quickly picked up the heavy presence of Farid's guards approaching.
"What is it?" Reinhart asked, not sensing anything.
"A test. Farid's men seem to be smarter than I gave them credit for, but this is a good chance to see you in action!" Aldren grinned.
"Test? You mean you want me to fight them alone?!" Reinhart demanded, and Aldren nodded.
"There is no point in me helping you, or I would just do it myself. The humans of this world are children in the eyes of the Dralkon. Even without my mana, I could take on an army with my eyes closed," Aldren explained, but that just made Reinhart frown.
"Then why do you put up with people like Farid? Why don't you just kill him and take this world for yourselves?" Reinhart asked but then added. "I mean, I am glad that you don't, but if you are that strong... I just don't get it."
"There is an evil greater than all of us coming, Reinhart. We will need everyone that we can get if we hope to be able to defeat what is coming. If we don't all work together, we will be forced to run again. None of us want that; we want our home back. For that, we will work as hard as we can to make humans understand and start preparing. To do that, we need a human that the others will follow," Aldren explained as the Yolk Tree climbed up my robe sleeve to my shoulder.
"And you think that I am that person?" Reinhart asked, and Aldren nodded firmly.
"I don't think you are, I know you are. I was unsure before you created the Yolk Tree, but now I know that Queen Maze and yourself we sent to us for a reason. You might not know it yet, but you two are the boulder that we have been searching for," Aldren explained, but then pointed to the south. "They come from there. Prepare yourself.
Before Reinhart could protest, Aldren sank into the forest, leaving him alone with his new pet. This was not the first time that he had fought in this world, but this was his first solo battle.
"Prrredt?" The Yolk Tree squeaked, rolling its R's from his shoulder, and he looked over at it with a frown. Reinhart had heard the strange noise it made, but for some reason, he knew that the creature was asking what its name was.
"Name? Now that is a good question. Not that I really have time to think of one at the moment, but I will work on it, okay?" Reinhart asked, and the small form nodded, and then put up its fist, ready to fight. "Oh? You are a fighter?"
"Prrrrredt!" The Yolk Tree responded fervently, shaking its tiny fists in the air. It emitted a soft, warm glow that made Reinhart chuckle despite the looming danger. The Yolk Tree seemed as prepared for battle as one of its kind could be.
"Heh, alright then. Let's show them what we got." Reinhart nodded, squaring his shoulders and channeling his Mana. Time seemed to pause for a moment, his senses sharpened as his adrenaline peaked in anticipation of the upcoming confrontation.