The Mother Tree was glowing.

  It wasn’t an uncommon sight. Every time the Mother Tree injected mana into Wolfie, the surrounding area lit up. When Rowan carried out the mana exchange, there would be a small glow that was barely noticeable, between the two trading partners. When mana become visible, it had a luminous effect.

  However this time was different.

  If the brightness caused by mana was to be compared, the mana exchange would be akin to a candle. Most of the process was done internally so the light wasn't too visible. When the Mother Tree fed the wolf pup, the mana emitted would be comparable to a torchlight.

  The current Mother Tree was like a sun that had descended. The mana that she was releasing was bright and visible, when normally mana could not be seen by the naked eye.

  What was happening? Why did the Mother Tree suddenly decide to start releasing a large amount of mana?

  It was so bright that Rowan had to lift his arm to help protect his eyes.

  The mana was warm and welcoming, but at the same time overwhelming. Rowan could feel his senses being bombarded by the sheer quantity.

  That was when Rowan felt the calling.

  Rowan's feet began moving with his instructions towards the Mother Tree. The steps felt completely natural as if the glowing Mother Tree was a normal everyday event. He lowered his arms and allowed his eyes to slowly adjust. Rowan had not thought twice when he began to walk towards the tree.

  The Mother Tree had never done anything to hurt him and deserved his trust. If she was calling him, then he would come forth. After all, without her, Rowan would not have survived the Forest of Death for so long. Disregarding the fact she helped him recover, the Mother Tree was the only one who helped him grow without worry about food.

  First step.

  Second step.

  Third step.

  Rowan didn't stop until he stood in front of the Mother Tree. Now it was time to see what she wanted of him. Rowan held his breath in anticipation as Mother Tree's current display was enough to attract monsters from all over the forest. Even if they were protected by the barrier of Thorns, the amount of mana released was both visible and attractive. If monsters were to intake just a small amount of mana that was released, it would be enough to save them a lot of time to reach the next level.

  Rowan's hands without his command started to reach out and stop, as if waiting for something to drop. What could it be?

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  There was really only one answer as there was only one thing on the Mother tree.

  The Fruit.

  Rowan had known the fruit was almost ripe for a while now. However he never thought that the fruit would cause such a display at its maturity.

  As his hands waited in place, Rowan could not help but wonder. What to do next? Does he just pluck the fruit? Wait for it to fall? Will it damage the fruit if he pluck it? Or was there a special method to pick the fruit of the Mother Tree?

  PLOP!

  The fruit dropped from the branch it was growing on as if it was waiting and into Rowan’s hands.

  Well, that answers my question.

  The fruit had emitted the greatest amount of mana Rowan had ever seen. The final product was no bigger than an apple, but the golden glow emitted from the fruit seemed so precious. Rowan almost couldn't bear to take a bite.

  On the side, Wolfie was already salivating. The smell and mana was too much for the young pup and its eyes had already gone sideways.

  Seeing the fruit in his hands, Rowan cautiously took a bite.

  His mouth exploded with indescribable flavors that overwhelmed his senses.

  The last thing Rowan saw was flowers began to bloom on the Mother Tree and an image of the

  majestic tree that reached beyond the sky.

  ***

  A large reptilian head rose out of the darkness. Normally it would still be lying dormant, sleeping until hunger beckoned it awake.

  However things have been rather…eventful of late. Its hatchling had returned with injuries and it had spent its days healing it.

  Now an abnormal event was happening. Mana was gathering in a singular location that could be felt for thousands of miles away. Even the devolved cousins, not that it would ever admit the relationship, outside had sensed it.

  Thi was the most excitement it had faced in a while.

  There was a primordial calling. Something that lied deep down in the recess of its bones. Memories long forgotten, but only to be now called upon.

  It started with a small tingle in its throat and then slowly began to build up. Slowly its throat began to rumble and eventually began to evolve into something much more.

  A loud roar that came from the deepest fiber of its being threatened to split the sky.

  And it was not the only one,

  Hundreds of wyverns, be it young or old, whether they were eating, flying, sleeping, all lifted their heads and roared in unison.

  ***

  A lone wolf that had been hunting in the Forest of death and froze. It did not know the reason, but instincts felt a calling. Its fur stood on end as it raised its head to let out a howl.

  “AAWWWOOOHHHH!”

  It was not the only one. All monsters of different shapes and sizes, from the smallest squirrel to the largest and most dangerous predators, all performed similar gestures. Howls, screeches and roars could be heard from all over the forest. They knew not the reason why, merely that it had to be done.

  Out of respect.

  Out of fear.

  Out of gratitude.

  Out of worship.