The Fate of Ancient Beast Summoner

Elowen stepped down from the Escalatree first, her movements calm and composed as always. She glanced back at Liora, who was still standing frozen in awe, mouth agape at the breathtaking sight before them. "Come on, Liora," Elowen called out teasingly, breaking the spell. "Don't just stand there gawking."

Snapping out of her daze, Liora scrambled after Elowen, stammering slightly. "O-okay... okay, wait for me!" Once she caught up, she began walking behind Elowen, slowly spinning around to take in every detail of their surroundings. Her eyes sparkled with wonder as she marveled at the scene unfolding around her—it felt surreal, almost dreamlike.

"How is it possible to turn a tree into something like this?" Liora finally asked, her voice brimming with curiosity. "This area doesn't look much different from the squares we have in Sanctora. It's flat, stable—people are bustling about, trading goods enthusiastically, and the buildings are neatly arranged."

Elowen chuckled softly at Liora's observation. "This district is called the Royal Tree," she explained. "It's named so because this is the largest tree in the entire kingdom. Its diameter is vast—almost as large as your own kingdom. The ancestors of this land carved away the outer and middle layers of the trunk but left the inner layer intact. That's where the nutrients and water flow, ensuring the tree remains alive."

Seeing Liora's stunned expression, Elowen continued. "Of course, they also used various magical tools to enhance the supply of nutrients and facilitate the tree's natural processes. This combination allows the tree to thrive despite being transformed into a city. Humans and trees coexist here, supporting one another symbiotically."

Liora's jaw dropped even further as she processed the information. "So... so these trees are actually still alive? Even though they've been turned into living spaces? And there are more trees like this?"

Elowen clicked her tongue playfully, amused by Liora's endless fascination. "Yes, of course, the tree is alive. If it weren't, it would have collapsed long ago. And yes, there are other trees like this throughout the kingdom, each serving as a district, though none are quite as massive as this one."

Unable to contain her excitement, Liora spun around again, taking in the incredible view. Everywhere she looked, people greeted her warmly, bowing slightly and stepping aside to let her pass. Their friendly smiles and respectful gestures made her feel both honored and humbled. For once, she decided not to question why everyone treated her this way; she was too captivated by the wonders surrounding her.

As they wandered through the bustling streets, Elowen suddenly gestured toward a nearby food stall. "Over here, Liora. You absolutely must try this. No trip to Verdantia is complete without sampling this delicacy."

Liora hurried over, eager to follow Elowen's lead. Again, the crowd parted respectfully, bowing and smiling as they passed. Some even seemed thrilled to catch a glimpse of the two women, their expressions reminiscent of fans meeting their idols.

Elowen handed Liora a small plate containing what appeared to be a sweet cake-like snack. "This is called 'gethuk.' It's made from finely mashed cassava mixed with palm sugar, grated coconut, and a pinch of salt. Trust me—you'll love it."