Chapter 333: Extreme Measures
Sighing softly, Orion sat down cross-legged upon the cold, cracked earth, his movements deliberate and calm.
His towering Dragonoid form receded slowly, scales retracting, body shrinking back to his human appearance. He exhaled heavily again, shoulders sagging slightly under the gravity of the moment.
"I didn’t want to do this before," Orion murmured thoughtfully, eyes narrowing with seriousness, "because the unknown variables involved were too many. But it seems there’s not much choice left."
Lumi looked at him curiously, floating gently closer to him. Her eyes sparkled with quiet anticipation and mild concern as she carefully asked, [Master, do you plan to—]
Orion raised his head decisively, interrupting her softly yet resolutely, "Yes."
His gaze met Lumi’s gaze directly, unwavering and determined. "When you first showed me the World Tree Seed, an idea occurred to me. I thought of integrating it within myself to stabilize my Sea of Consciousness, but back then, the potential risks and unknown variables were simply too great. I couldn’t afford to gamble so recklessly."
He paused momentarily, the weight of his choice clearly evident in his expression. "But now," he continued quietly, eyes burning fiercely with resolute determination, "the circumstances have changed. This desperate battle has shown me clearly, without taking this risk, victory is unattainable."
Lumi watched him silently, her face gentle yet filled with understanding. Finally, she gave a single, serious nod. [I trust your judgment, Master. The path you’ve chosen is dangerous, but necessary.]
Orion exhaled another deep breath, feeling tension momentarily leave his body before steeling himself once more. Without further hesitation, he carefully withdrew the World Tree Seed from his spatial inventory.
The instant the seed appeared in his palm, the very air trembled and distorted visibly. A dense, vibrant aura surged outward, an overwhelming burst of pure life essence radiating brilliantly in all directions.
Vegetation erupted wildly around Orion, emerging from the barren earth at a staggering speed—lush green grasses, vivid flowers, twisting vines, and sturdy saplings appearing spontaneously, filling the formerly desolate space with vibrant, uncontrolled life.
Despite the extraordinary phenomenon occurring around him, Orion remained focused solely on the tiny seed resting gently within his hand.