"A gift?" Lin Mu raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
In response, the Guardian gestured toward the stump beneath Lin Mu with a slight tilt of its great head.
Lin Mu followed its gaze and saw something unexpected.
A small shoot had emerged from the side of the stump.
The very stump he had assumed to be lifeless now pulsed with vitality, a fragile yet determined sprout pushing its way into the world.
"This child wishes to go with you," the Guardian stated.
SHUA SHUA SHUA
Lin Mu watched as the tiny shoot trembled, its vibrant green cotyledons swaying as if greeting him. A new bond had been formed.
Observing the tiny shoot's actions, Lin Mu came to a realization.
"It's sentient already?" he asked, his voice tinged with surprise.
"Indeed… Plants take a long time to develop sentience to this level, and yet this child has already formed it," the Guardian confirmed. "Will you take it with you?"
"I will," Lin Mu answered without hesitation.
