As time passed, after three months, August finally achieved his first small goal in this world, a milestone that brought him immense joy.
[Name: World Tree (Seedling)]
[Owner: August]
[Growth Rate: Budding Stage (10.001%)]
[Innate Skills: Space, Elemental, Devour, Plunder (Can root into other worlds and plunder their world essence)]
Today marked a significant day; after three months of relentless effort, the World Tree seedling had finally reached a growth rate of 10%.
This was exhilarating for August. Over the past three months, he had spent an unimaginable amount of gold coins, with daily expenses adding up to staggering figures.
Although he possessed the Gate of Babylon, continuous hunts of magical beasts had led to a drastic decline in their numbers.
Especially near human towns, magical beasts were nearly extinct; after all, wealth was a powerful motivator, and gold coins were incredibly enticing.
Moreover, as the number of magical beasts dwindled, the price for purchasing them had surged to 1.2 gold coins per kilogram. While it seemed like a significant increase, it added up to a hefty sum over time.
Finally, today, with the growth rate hitting 10%, a new innate skill was unlocked.
This skill delighted August; it allowed him to root into other worlds and plunder their essence.
This was the true growth method of the World Tree—able to support worlds and consume the sacred essence of those worlds. That is what the World Tree truly represented.
In theory, most worlds, even those of a lower dimension, could allow the World Tree to grow to this extent.
However, August's little world, while technically a "world," was fundamentally just a space. It lacked any rules, laws, composition, or systems, relying solely on August's continuous feeding.
"Daddy~ thank you~ Baby has finally grown up~"
Watching the gently swaying seedling of the World Tree, August felt immense happiness, knowing his efforts had not been in vain.
The fact that the seedling could reach this point was a testament to his support, filling August, the "father," with a sense of joy and pride.
"Baby, will rooting in this world and seizing its essence have any effect?"
"The reduction of essence will gradually weaken this world's power. The most direct manifestation of this is that the mana within the world will become increasingly sparse, until it completely vanishes, ultimately degrading into a low-level world."
"Will it completely erase a world's mysteries?"
"There is no absolute standard, Daddy. As long as you don't plunder too much essence, it will only weaken the world a little. However, if the essence is entirely consumed, then that world will indeed face destruction."
"I see. So, how much essence can you seize from this world in eight months?"
"I don't know, Daddy."
"Alright, then start now. Take as much as you can."
"Okay~ Daddy~"
Under August's watchful gaze, a root extended from the void, piercing directly into the land.
It continued to delve deeper, and the root began to expand.
To be honest, this reminded August of the God Tree from the Naruto world; the God Tree would absorb the essence of a planet after being planted and eventually bear fruit.
There was also the Spirit Tree from Dragon Ball, which had a similar situation.
However, compared to those, his little treasure was superior, directly rooting itself in the world and consuming its essence.
August wasn't particularly concerned about the world's fate; even if it were to face complete destruction after his departure, he wouldn't mind.
Now, the World Tree seedling had finally found its footing. From today onward, there was no need to continue hunting magical beasts.
In other words, hunting magical beasts no longer provided significant "nutrition" for the seedling. With its roots now anchored in this world, there was no longer any need to persist.
The roots of the World Tree were anchored deep in the ground, beneath the underground layer of the magical beast shop August had opened, a specific location he had created for this purpose.
Upon returning to the town, the first thing August did was head to the shop.
"Your Highness, we only have this little amount of magical beasts today; I'm truly sorry."
Laura said slowly. This was not the first time; the number of magical beasts had decreased day by day for nearly a month now.
On the other hand, sea creatures hadn't diminished; instead, their numbers had increased significantly since the ocean was vaster than land.
Of course, this was also due to the principle of proximity in hunting; few people were willing to drag the corpses of magical beasts around when the effort didn't seem worth the time and profit.
In this world, while the number of magical beasts remained substantial, those around the town had become quite rare.
"Laura, notify everyone that starting today, we will no longer collect magical beasts or sea creatures."
"Hmm? Your Highness, has something happened?"
"The reason is simple; the little one no longer needs them. The nutrients she requires now can't be provided by ordinary magical beasts or sea creatures."
"Understood, Your Highness. I will inform them right away."
Currently, the maids were scattered across the neighboring towns, so they needed to be contacted.
"Alright, go ahead."
"Rest assured."
After speaking, Laura summoned a teleportation array and then vanished from sight.
August went upstairs, where Lily was sitting on the sofa reading. Although she was from the Cow Clan, she loved to read.
Previously, due to family circumstances, she had to work hard every day while also helping her parents take care of her younger siblings, leaving her no time or spare money for such luxuries.
Now, everything was different. After becoming August's, these issues were no longer problems.
Her family had finally seen better days, and she had time for herself.
"Welcome back! I'll prepare some snacks and tea."
Upon seeing August, Lily's first reaction was to prepare food and drinks.
"No need, come here."
"Hmm?"
Lily looked puzzled but obediently walked over.
Though her figure was stunning, enough to stir the imagination of any man, Lily was inherently a simple woman.
Even now, as August's 'concubine,' she held herself to that identity, not to vie for status, but to wholeheartedly serve her husband, prioritizing August's wishes above all else.
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