Leaving the oppressive swamps behind, the trio of trainee seekers emerged into an open plain. The bright sunlight, a stark contrast to the swamp's murky gloom, offered a brief respite. However, their relief was fleeting as a dense forest loomed ahead, the only path to the colossal tree they sought.
"I don't like this," Nobunaga muttered, his gaze fixed warily on the forest. "We've had enough surprises for one day."
"We don't have a choice," Reyoma replied, his tone tinged with resignation but underlined by determination. "The tree is our goal, and this forest stands in our way."
With no alternative, the trio plunged into the dense forest. The thick canopy above cast long shadows, creating an eerie twilight beneath the trees. Every rustle and snap of a twig set them on edge. They paused frequently, wary of provoking any lurking predators.
"Stay alert," Ishin advised, his voice a low whisper. "We don't want to attract any unwanted attention."
"Especially not from corrupted beasts," Reyoma added, his hand resting on the hilt of his rapier, his eyes scanning the dark underbrush.
Hearing this, Nobunaga frowned and whispered, "Don't jinx us, you omen. If it comes true, will you take responsibility and offer yourself as its meal?"
Nobunaga's sharp tongue continued to lash out at Reyoma, but his words fell on deaf ears. Reyoma pressed on in silence, his patience wearing thin. 'Being around this jerk is utterly draining,' he thought, sighing internally as they advanced through the ominous forest.
As they delved deeper into the forest, the vibrancy of life was palpable. The chorus of birds and the scurrying of small creatures were constant, yet an underlying tension suggested greater dangers. The trio knew they were not the only predators in this shadowy realm.
"This forest is full of wolves," Nobunaga whispered, his voice barely audible. "I can feel eyes on us."
"We need to move carefully," Ishin agreed. "Avoid any confrontations if we can. We can't afford delays or injuries."
Their progress was slow but deliberate. Each step was measured, each sound meticulously analyzed for threats. They maneuvered around dense thickets and avoided overly thick foliage, keenly aware that unnecessary noise could draw predators.
At one point, they stumbled upon a clearing marked by recent activity. Claw marks marred the trees, fallen timber, and disturbed underbrush indicating the presence of a large wolf pack.
"Let's avoid this area," Reyoma suggested. "Meeting them head-on would be unwise."
The ishin nodded in agreement, Nobunaga even though reluctant agreed as Reyoma wasn't suggesting anything harmful, and they carefully skirted the clearing, resuming their cautious journey through the forest.
Despite the pervasive tension, the trio operated with seamless efficiency, their earlier conflicts set aside in the face of shared peril. They communicated through hand signals and whispers, maintaining an unbroken vigilance.
As they neared the forest's edge, the massive tree they sought reemerged into view, its towering presence a guiding beacon through the dense foliage.
The magnificent tree looked ancient, as if it had existed since time immemorial. Its trunk was wide and sturdy, supporting thousands of sprawling branches that stretched out like the arms of a giant.
Up close, the tree was so colossal that it made any observer feel insignificant, dwarfed by its sheer size and presence. It was so tall that its peak pierced the clouds, creating a gap in the sky as if reaching for the heavens themselves.
"This tree is incredible," Ishin murmured, craning his neck to take in its full height. "It feels like it's been here forever." 'Why is this great existence never mentioned in the clan? It is just like that volcano. Our clan sure does like to hide things from us.'
Reyoma nodded in agreement, his eyes wide with awe. "It's humbling, standing next to something this immense. Makes you realize how small we really are." 'How many creatures might have come and gone while this tree stands unchanged, unhindered. Truly a thing to admire.'
Nobunaga, usually quick to dismiss such sentiments, seemed equally struck. "I've never seen anything like it. It's like... a monument to time itself." 'If I ever get a chance, I would love to come here with my lover. It would be so romantic. Hehehe, maybe even... hehehe.' Nobunaga indulged in his fantasies, drooling while still looking at the tree.
The bark of the tree was thick and gnarled, covered in a tapestry of moss and vines that hinted at its age. The roots, massive and twisted, snaked out from the base, anchoring it firmly into the ground and spreading out in all directions, creating natural pathways and alcoves.
"We should explore," Ishin suggested, his voice filled with a mix of reverence and curiosity. "There must be a reason why this tree is so significant."
Reyoma glanced around, noting the peculiar patterns in the bark and the unusual flora growing at its base. "There might be clues about why this place was chosen for our examination."
As they began their exploration, they found signs that the tree was more than just a natural wonder. Strange carvings adorned some of the lower branches.
Nobunaga pointed to one of the carvings. "Look at this. It's like some kind of weird...plants. Do you think it means something?"
The carving Nobunaga was showing looked like two vertical ovals having lotus-like leaves above with multiple veins protruding from below. Multiple of these seeming creatures were surrounding the tree in the middle.
Ishin examined the markings closely. "These weird shapes look like plants but at the same time also look like living creatures. Something I know of, but what, humph."
Reyoma answered, "Ingee...if we assume this is its body, then it is most likely Ingee's rounded body."
"Yeah, Ingee, yes, that's it. But then it means this tree is like the Ingen tree," Ishin said, looking at the tree.
"But what if you're wrong and this is just some villager kid who snuck in here and scribbled some of his bullshit fantasies? It does look like a child's scribbling. See...don't you think?" Nobunaga said, pointing out the carving.
"Humph, do you always have to ruin the mood?" Reyoma sarcastically remarked.
"Are you always delusional?" Nobunaga said with a disgusted face.
"You are the one who's delusional. In this forest, where even trainee seekers like us are at a threat to our lives, where corrupt beasts run amok, you think some villager kid will travel all the way here, carve this, and leave? Hah, don't make me laugh," Reyoma replied sarcastically and mockingly.
"You want a fight, you omen fucker?" Nobunaga said, his eyes twitching.
"I don't think you are my opponent. Facing you will be a waste of my time," Reyoma replied casually.
"Hunh, just say you're scared," Nobunaga taunted.
Hearing the challenge, Reyoma's intent to fight and beat his opponent without caring about consequences ignited.
Seeing his unfriendly teammates fighting over nothing again, Ishin intervened. "Stop it. We are not here to fight but to explore. This place seems safe. Let's split and search around the trunk. If you find anything or see any danger, return to this place. Be careful," Ishin warned. "We don't know what we're dealing with."
The trio circled the tree, seeing nothing but the same carving repeatedly.