[@Stabby] [@Zeroth]

The system truly responded to Femus’s requests, placing the points as instructed and displaying his options.  It seemed that his recent actions had added a choice to his evolution options, one with a two star suitability rating as well.  Still, that seemed largely based on what element he had trained recently.  He intended to become fluent in multiple elements.  Choosing a form that specialized him would be unwise.  His foundation wasn’t strong enough for that yet.  And, there was a word in there that he didn’t fully understand.  So, he formed words in his mind again.  “System.  Please define ‘Increase Potential’ aspect of Adult Wisp evolution.”  Hopefully he could get an answer that would settle his thoughts.

He followed Nira through the woods, carefully watching for anything dangerous while monitoring his own body and keeping a careful watch on the goblins.  They truly were a divisive bunch, but their organization wasn’t bad.  They actually seemed to have factored their own bad temperments into their combat strategy.  Thankfully, they weren’t heading in the same direction that Femus and Nira were going and their cautious travel went smoothly.

Femus breathed a soft sigh of relief as they neared the tree.  The trip hadn’t been very long but it had been nerve wracking for him.  He was plagued the whole way by thoughts of what would happen if he were forced to start evolving in mid-air.

Seeing the tree up close was a welcome distraction.  It was gorgeous and massive.  He had never seen any tree that large and healthy before in either of his lives.  However, the relief and wonder didn’t last long.  The tree had a massive presence, or was engulfed in another nearby presence.  Either way, it wouldn’t be wise to act carelessly here.  Caution, caution and patience.

“Let’s try to avoid disturbing anything here more than necessary.”  He whispered to Nira.

He knew that it could be dangerous to linger in front of the tree but he doubted that he could levitate high enough to reach the branches… way… up… there.  He was suddenly grateful that he presently lacked a neck, it would have gotten a cramp looking up at those branches from underneath.  But, many creatures could reach the roots, making them a bad ‘nesting’ spot for little magical creatures.  He focused his will and used Magic Analysis and Plant Analysis on the tree and the moss.  He also tried to use Magic Analysis on the air around the tree while staying alert for any signs of other creatures, nests, burrows, etc. in the area.  An abandoned burrow could be very useful.

“Do you think we can make it to the lowest branches?”  Femus said, asking and suggesting at the same time.  It really would be a better option if they could manage it.  “Or should we split up and look for some safe cranny to hide in for a little while?”

He had to get to a safe place quickly so he could evolve.  It was uncertain whether time was actually ticking on that but it would be reckless to assume that it wasn’t.  He was getting nervous.  If he hadn’t been feeling the pressure, he would never have suggested that they split up right after arriving at a new and powerful place.  Come to think of it, Nira had been the one to suggest splitting up every time it had happened so far.  Though, they hadn’t been together for long at all.  Still, clearly she was confident.  That was good.  Femus was unutterably grateful that he wasn’t facing this evolution on his own.   

He was also itching to train here, but he didn’t dare to use more than the bare minimum necessary skills before evolving.  With the health and size of this tree, the odds of there being holes in the trunk seemed low but he did take a moment while listening to Nira’s thoughts to look for one.  The nature mana here should be very dense compared to elsewhere.