When the young wizards in the examination halls of the teaching buildings sat restlessly, the faculty and staff of First University who had rushed over upon hearing the news wore equally grim expressions beneath the blazing red light outside the school.
Not far from the Silent River, somewhere on the outskirts of the Silent Forest, a massive pit had appeared. The entire pit resembled an inverted pyramid, with spiral passageways winding downward layer by layer. Amid the dirt and rubble, bluish-gray doors and collapsed experiment tables could be clearly seen.
A crooked Soul Returning Poplar spread its branches in every direction like a living creature. Its entire body was shrouded in a faint red glow, countless intricate Runes flowing across its trunk. Just one glance was enough to make one feel dizzy and disoriented.
Dark green nutrient fluid flowed from somewhere behind those bluish-gray doors, gurgling as it watered the roots of the Soul Returning Poplar. It washed over the traces left behind after the surrounding area had been destroyed by spells, sending up waves of warped odors mixed with fishy stench and strange fragrances. From time to time, several golden-red sparks burst from the shadows of the passageways—the final struggle of the protective incantations before they were completely erased.
Many charred tree trunks remained around the edge of the pit, proof of the lightning spells that had once ravaged the area.
"...The School Guardian Formation Office has sent word. The unknown experimental subject has been confirmed as a Soul Returning Poplar. At present, it exists somewhere between animal and plant. The possibility that it can move cannot be ruled out! No strong offensive capabilities have been detected. Its threat level has been provisionally set at A+!"
"Observers have confirmed that the unknown experimental subject is in an awakened state