As Alex moved with Hati toward the west, they heard the sound of a river flowing. Beneath the dense canopy, a crystal-clear river meandered through the forest, so transparent that one could see the smooth stones, and the fish swimming and leaping.
Alex looked around but couldn't find anything out of the ordinary.
"Woof," Hati barked, pointing toward the direction of the river.
Alex nodded and began walking along its edge. Then, suddenly, he felt a strange sensation—like crossing through a bubble.
And then, it appeared before them.
An enchanting sight—beautiful houses built upon trees, their branches extending outward to form a vibrant, dense green canopy above. Flowers bloomed in a riot of colors, their sweet scent drifting through the air. Every breath Alex took felt cool and refreshing. He felt as though he had stepped into the very embrace of Mother Nature herself.
Then, from within that lush paradise, she emerged.
A silver-golden-haired girl with sparkling green eyes and finely sculpted features appeared. Her body was gracefully curved and well-proportioned, clad in leather-like green armor that hugged her form. A silver crown rested upon her head, with small leaf shapes on each side and a tiny canopy structure at its center—resembling the mighty tree it honored.
She ran toward them, her chest bouncing lightly with each step, hair shimmering under the sunlight.
She looked like the avatar of nature itself.
Hati's head moved in perfect rhythm with the elf's every step, his gaze locked with innocent fascination on the subtle bounce of her chest.
Inside Alex's mind, a small white version of himself spoke: "She is beautiful… but our Goddess has more charm."
Another black version of Alex immediately jumped on the white one and began strangling him in rage. "How many times have I told you—she isn't our Goddess anymore! She betrayed us like everyone else!"
The little white Alex gasped, then whispered, "She must have her circumstances…"
"I'll kill you today!"Black Alex roared, squeezing tighter.
Just then, the elf reached them, and Alex snapped back to reality.
"Are you Mr. Alexander?" she asked, her warm smile radiating like the morning sun.
Alex nodded, still slightly dazed by her beauty.
Suddenly, she grabbed Alex's hand. "Come," she said.
Her hands are really soft, Alex thought.
She dragged him into a house crafted entirely from a living tree. As Alex stepped inside, his eyes widened.
Everything was made from plants—yet alive. The chairs were shaped like furniture but still growing, adorned with fresh green leaves. Their roots extended into the ground like feet. The same was true for the table. Alex reached out and touched the chair. It felt comfortable—surprisingly so. He sat down and thought to himself, This… this is good.
The house smelled of blooming flowers. The air was cool, the kind that felt like it wrapped around your skin gently.
Regaining his composure, Alex stood and asked, "Please care to explain—why did you drag me here?"
Looking around, he added, "Not that I'm complaining."
"Woof, woof," Hati barked, sitting on Alex's shoulder, staring at the elf.
"Oh, sorry, Hati," Alex said, turning to his companion. Then he asked again, "Why did you drag us here?"
Hati nodded seriously. Alex just smiled at his antics.
"About that, let me introduce myself. My name is Princess Aersith Loraelin. My mother asked me to guide you."
"Your mother? Who's that?" Alex asked, eyes narrowing slightly, arms crossing.
Aersith replied in a reverent tone, placing her hands together as if in prayer, "Our Mother—the Mother Tree—ordered me."
Alex turned to Hati and whispered, "Are all the princesses like that?"
"Woof," Hati shook his head.
"Oh, you don't know?" Alex shrugged. "I know two princesses. One is standing in front of us. The other, I believe, lives in the mountains. Both are beautiful, both don't care what others think, and both do whatever they want." He raised two fingers as he spoke.
"Ahem," Princess Aersith coughed politely. "I apologize, but the Mother Tree's orders are more important than any personal feelings."
"Let us discuss your role here, as assigned by the Mother Tree," she added in a serious tone.
Alex raised a brow. "I don't know what the Mother Tree told you about me, but just to be clear—I'm not that strong. Honestly, I think you're stronger than me."
"I will warn you—first and last time—do not address our Mother Tree so casually," Princess Aersith said, her voice stern.
Alex was taken aback by the harsh tone. Seems like the Mother Tree is something like a god to them. I should tread carefully…
"Yes, she is stronger than you, human," a sharp voice interrupted.
A girl with short green hair reaching just below her pointy ears, fierce blue eyes, and small leaf-patterns beneath both eyes stepped forward. She had a mature, slender build, and her tone was filled with disdain.
Alex sighed inwardly. Can I at least get a break from these kinds of people?
Princess Aersith's voice rang out, authoritative and loud. "Naeriel, what are you doing, intruding like this?"
"I'm sorry, Princess." Naeriel immediately kneeled, one knee on the ground and head bowed.
"You will go to the Repentance Ground and kneel the entire day, asking for forgiveness from the Mother Tree—on stony ground," Aersith ordered, her tone unyielding.
Then she turned back to Alex. "Let us move forward, Mr. Alexander."
Naeriel glared at Alex with water-like blue eyes before departing in silence.
"So…" Alex said, clearly annoyed. "Tell me, Miss Princess—what am I here for?"
Princess Aersith's voice softened into a respectful, reverent tone once more. She closed her eyes, placed her hands together like before, and spoke:
"The Mother Tree has assigned me to teach and guide you in the ways of the Wood Element."
Her tone then shifted, rising with pride as if delivering a sacred sermon. Her hand gestured grandly through the air:
"We Elves are superior to humans. Our Wood Elemental power is superior because it was bestowed upon us by the Mother Tree. And because our Mother told me that your power is similar to ours… I'm willing to speak with you—and to teach you."