In the boundless expanse of outer space, where stars shimmered like jewels scattered across the fabric of eternity, a lone figure moved. He wasn't flying—he was walking. Each step disturbed the cosmic void like ripples over a calm sea, as if space itself responded to his presence.
The figure was draped in a black cloak that fluttered despite the absence of wind. His long dark hair flowed behind him, and his eyes—calm yet ancient—scanned the prismatic streams of nebulae surrounding him.
"So this is where I am now…" he murmured to himself, his voice echoing faintly across the void. "Let's see if this place holds any usable energy… something I can use to comprehend the Laws."
As if in response to his intent, his pupils turned pure white, glowing faintly. His gaze cut through light-years of distance until it locked onto something.
"Hmm? That's a high-level planet…" he muttered, raising a brow. "Let's pay it a visit."
Just as he prepared to descend, a sudden voice echoed in his mind, gentle but urgent.
"Please wait, my lord!"
A figure shimmered into existence before him—a tall man dressed in flowing green robes that fluttered with a life of their own. His skin was bark-like, but smooth, with veins of green light running beneath. Most striking of all were the twisted, wooden horns rising from his forehead like the ancient roots of a tree.
"My lord," the man said with a respectful bow, beads of sweat glistening on his forehead, "forgive the intrusion, but may I ask why you've come to this realm?"
David blinked. I can sense him clearly… this presence is different. Powerful, but not hostile. His eyes lingered on the dragon-like horns.
It was the first time he'd seen a foreign creature so up close.
With honest curiosity, David asked, "What kind are you?"
"I am a Stage 9 Dryad, my lord," the green-robed man answered respectfully, his voice calm but wary.
"A Dryad? Not a dragon, then," David noted.
The man chuckled nervously. "You must be jesting, my lord. A true dragon would be at least Stage 13—like yourself or perhaps even beyond."
An awkward silence followed as the cosmos around them shimmered in gentle hues. Stars twinkled quietly, listening in.
After a breath, the Dryad cleared his throat. "May I ask why you wish to descend to our planet?"
"I sensed energy. I planned to cultivate there," David said bluntly. "Is that a problem?"
"Absolutely not, my lord! You may cultivate to your heart's content," the Dryad said quickly. "But… I must ask—do you possess a pass issued by the Dimensional Tower?"
David shook his head. "No. I've just emerged from an extended cultivation in a distant universe. I'm unfamiliar with your current system and laws."
"Ah," the Dryad said with understanding. "You must have been away for a very long time—or perhaps you were in isolation on a dead star. Regardless, I will make arrangements with the Dimensional Tower on your behalf. A proper pass shall be granted within the day."
"That would be helpful," David said with a nod.
"If it pleases you, my lord," the Dryad offered with a bow, "please consider visiting my kingdom. It would be a great honor to host you."
Floating calmly above the planet's orbit, David asked, "Where is your kingdom? Point the direction."
"I could simply teleport you there, my lord," the Dryad replied.
"No. I want to test something," David replied with a small smile. "Just tell me the direction."
The Dryad nodded. "Head east. Near the tallest tree on the planet—you cannot miss it."
With a flash of light, David vanished. In less than a nanosecond, he reappeared on the planet's surface, standing before an immense, towering tree that stretched toward the heavens. Its trunk alone was wide enough to hold a city. Its leaves shimmered with golden light, and its roots glowed faintly with runes that pulsed like a beating heart.
Moments later, a glowing portal opened behind him, and the Dryad stepped through.
"My lord, this is Aden. I am its guardian, and the caretaker of the World Tree," he announced proudly.
David gazed at the tree with wonder. Its sheer size and ancient presence were unlike anything he had encountered.
"Thank you for your hospitality," David said. "As you've likely noticed, I'm new here. I'd appreciate it if you could share some knowledge about this universe—and your world in particular."
"It would be my honor to serve you, my lord."
David glanced at him curiously. "May I ask something… Why are you being so respectful? It feels strange to be treated like this."
The Dryad lowered his head respectfully. "My lord, this humble one possesses a skill called [Spiritual Sense]. It allows me to perceive the depth of another being's energy. The moment I saw you… I knew."
"Knew what?"
"That you are a [Cosmic Spiritual Deity]. The energy radiating from you is endless—like an ocean that could swallow this entire world. I would be a fool not to kneel in reverence."
David paused. "I see… And in your eyes, what stage would you say I'm at?"
"At the very least, Stage 12, my lord. Perhaps even higher."
"That's interesting," David muttered. "I haven't checked my own cultivation stage in a long time…"
He turned back toward the World Tree. "So… where are we headed now?"
"We are going to see the World Tree, my lord," the Dryad said reverently.
David raised a brow. "The World Tree. What exactly is that?"
"The World Tree," the Dryad explained, "is the core of this world. Each powerful world possesses one. The stronger the world, the mightier the tree. It serves not only as the spiritual heart of the realm, but also houses the World Spirit—a being as strong as Stage 12 or more."
He continued, "In this case, the World Tree has chosen to bestow you with an assistant system. It's a gift it offers only to worthy beings. This system can track your status, growth, power levels, and even assist in certain decisions."
"Sounds useful," David said thoughtfully.
"It is, my lord. Very few are blessed with it."
David looked up at the towering tree once more. Its leaves rustled in the breeze as if welcoming him. A faint pulse of energy rolled outward, resonating with his very soul.
"Very well. Let's meet this World Spirit," he said, taking his first step forward.
The Dryad smiled behind him. A god walks among us. This world… is about to change.
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