Chapter 249. Mana’s Bodyguard
The sun rose, casting its golden light across the trees and buildings of Cedar Island, transforming the misty morning into a vibrant canvas. The shimmering rays, however, failed to elicit the usual awe from Tyler White.
Standing in the balcony, Tyler’s lips twitched as he observed the sunrise. Ever since he learned that this sun was a mere projection of the real one from the distant North, the allure of watching it felt hollow. It was beautiful, yes, but artificial, like admiring a masterpiece painting and knowing it wasn’t the original.
His gaze lingered a moment longer, the soft golden hues reflecting in his deep-set eyes, and then he turned away. The growing desire to venture further North burned within him, a flame that no imitation could extinguish.
Today, however, held other plans. Tyler and Mana were heading to the Cedar Garden, a sprawling forest cultivated specifically for its unique, mystical Cedar Trees.
According to Mana, this garden was their property where they cut matured Cedar Tree for production
As they approached the dense, verdant expanse, Tyler turned to Mana, curiosity piqued. "So, what makes these trees so different?" he asked.
Mana, walking gracefully beside him in her adult form, offered a cryptic smile. "You’ll see soon enough. But let’s just say they’re not your average Cedar Trees."
The pair was accompanied by three bodyguards—adventurers whom Mana had recruited to ensure their safety. They kept a vigilant watch on their surroundings, their postures tense yet disciplined.
The first was Hart, a towering giant of a man standing over seven feet tall and weighing nearly 500 pounds. His broad shoulders and tree trunk-like limbs gave him an imposing presence.
The second was Reva, a petite elf with a mischievous glint in her emerald eyes. Though small in stature, she carried herself with a confidence that suggested her size was far from a limitation. A small, circular shield rested on her back, its surface etched with intricate runes.
Finally, there was Gru, a strikingly handsome man with perfectly sculpted muscles that seemed to belong more to a legendary hero than a humble adventurer. A massive sword was strapped to his back, its hilt gleaming ominously in the morning light.