The face embedded in the tree tilted in an expression of confusion.
Suddenly, the roots holding me pulled me further along.
I glanced back, spotting a sizable tree behind me.
Another tree appeared. This one bore a slightly different appearance.
“What’s it doing, hanging a person upside down?” I exclaimed.
“I think I have an idea.” Ariella intervened.
“Huh?”
While I was bewildered by its actions, it seemed Ariella had an inkling of what was occurring from her vantage point.
“It’s comparing you to other trees.”
“What…?”
“This seems to be a tree encountering something it has never seen before.”
“….”
My ability, [Environmental Camouflage], was still intact, indicating that I remained part of the jungle.
In general, this trait was employed for stealth, but this particular being didn’t perceive it as such.
However, that didn’t mean my ability had completely fizzled out.
-From my perspective as your servant, it appears to be thinking, “Why does this one look so different?”
“…That makes sense.”
Even if the camouflage effect was lost, this creature recognized me as a uniquely shaped tree due to my continuing assimilation with the jungle.
I completely understood its curious gaze now.
“Had there ever been such a tree?”
Naturally, there was one that could walk around on two feet without being rooted in the ground.
Even I would find it fascinating to be viewed through its eyes.
“Doesn’t this position work in your favor? This means you’re safe from attacks.”
“Not yet.”
For now, it seemed to be calm.
I turned my attention back to the information I had just gathered about the Alraune.
[Alraune]
[This legendary species, known to emerge seldom from forests with unique histories and sizes, possesses the innate ability to control the surrounding flora.]
[As the sovereign of plants, they command the ability to affect their environment. A fully realized and powerful Alraune is often referred to as the Tree of Life.]
[To prepare Alraune, one must first thoroughly cleanse its roots—]
The description indicated that this creature could exert its control over surrounding plants.
‘That’s precisely the reason for this jungle’s existence.’
And—
“If viewed from its perspective, I would seem like a tree that defies its rule.”
A creature that could exert dominion over plants would react unpredictably upon encountering a being that wouldn’t submit to its control.
A scene popped into my mind.
‘How dare you defy my command?!’
I could just imagine an arrogant noble slicing the throat of a rebellious slave in one swift motion.
If this creature viewed me as an insubordinate entity, it might dispose of me.
I would have to adjust my response based on its reaction.
Then, without warning—
“Uh… Are you letting me down?”
The tree’s roots tenderly eased my fall.
Once I was back on firm ground, a root from the main Alraune approached me, gently swaying.
“Is this a gesture of greeting?”
“That’s fortunate.” added Ariella.
A tittering sound reverberated from the shadows.
The force that commands all plants now stood in front of a non-submissive plant.
I had briefly feared it might eliminate me for my insolence.
“Perhaps it recognizes you as a friend?”
Considering things, it wouldn’t be unreasonable for it to perceive me as an equal entity.
After placing me on the ground, the Alraune did nothing more.
It merely continued to observe me, and I felt a sense of relief at the lack of hostility from it.
But just as I was starting to relax, the creature’s eyes began to close.
“Wait. Is it… falling asleep?”
“This tree is quite carefree.”
Even if it acknowledged me as an equal, it felt a tad too relaxed, don’t you think?
‘Still, it’s probably not a threat.’
I found it amusing that while it drifted off, I was on edge.
I also relaxed my posture and scanned the area around us.
The towering trees reached high into the sky.
“Taking my time to appreciate it really is something else.”
Such a jungle was absolutely non-existent in South Korea.
I wondered if we could find one abroad.
Maybe being at the jungle’s heart was the reason why each tree surrounding me was larger and taller than I had ever seen.
I could almost imagine that they resembled those Baobab trees I had seen on the internet.
Especially, the trees clustered around the Alraune were particularly colossal.
They were like something straight out of a movie.
With the presence of such enormous giants, the Alraune—which resembled a stunted sapling—looked disproportionately small by comparison.
Upon closer inspection, I realized the jungle wasn’t solely made up of gigantic trees.
There were numerous unfamiliar plants scattered throughout.
Though I was encountering these for the first time, I knew little about plants in general, so I initially assumed they were simply mutated specimens native to the mountain.
[Burjestoma Herb]
[Miscus tree branch]
“What’s this?”
Upon closer scrutiny, I realized these weren’t originally from this world.
I recalled the words left by Cheol-wook.
‘In there lies plants that can ignite a farmer’s spirit!’
“Could these be what he meant?”
Like the other monsters and Alraune itself, these were plants that had fallen from another realm.
It’s understandable why he was so ecstatic.
But—
[Due to environmental conditions, they are not developing properly]
[Quality has been significantly reduced.]