As Quintina and the others set foot on the path leading to the top of the World Tree, Ang quietly watched their figures disappear among the layers of emerald-green branches and leaves.
The wind swept through the canopy, carrying a faint chill and dispersing the heaviness in his heart.
Just then, a familiar ripple appeared. Drumil slowly materialized, taking human form beside Ang, clad in a robe that seemed woven from light and shadow.
"Why, can't bear to part with them?" Drumil asked lightly, though there was a hint of teasing in his tone.
Ang paused slightly, then raised a brow and teased back, "You're a tree. Do you even understand human emotions?"
Drumil spread his hands in a nonchalant gesture and shrugged with a smile. "Of course not. I was just asking because it suited the moment."
Ang could not help but laugh. The faint oppression in his heart gradually dissipated amid their joking exchange.
He shook his head. "I didn't expect your humanization to become this strong. You can even learn to make witty remarks now."
Drumil quietly gazed at the vast horizon in the distance, his eyes becoming unusually profound.
After a moment of silence, he suddenly said, "During the time you were away, I discovered... I seem to have found my own path toward the future."
"A path toward the future?" Ang raised a brow and asked with interest, "Didn't you say before that the mission of World Trees is to keep growing until they reach the realm of the gods?"
Drumil nodded, his voice carrying more resolve. "That is indeed true. But I have found a way to truly set foot on that path."
"What way?" Ang looked at him in confusion.
Drumil turned his gaze toward the earth and slowly uttered several words. "Make