"Call Tyr. We will do the advancement now."
Isaac called the treant, who was patrolling the farm. He hadn't gone to the shop today after Isaac told him to stay at home.
Tyr's tall wooden frame creaked softly as he walked forward.
"Tyr," Isaac said, stepping to the side. "It's time."
Tyr turned his gaze toward the crate, then to Professor Catherine.
She gestured toward the open container.
"All four materials are present. Once you consume them, the evolution will begin. There may be pain. Be prepared."
Tyr nodded. He stepped forward and reached toward the first item.
Crystallized Embercore.
The shell around it cracked open under his touch, and the glowing ember-like shard floated up.
Without hesitation, Tyr pulled it into his chest. It sank beneath his bark with a hiss.
A pulse of flame ran down his limbs. Sparks flickered from his fingertips. The wood along his arms darkened, veins of red glowing underneath the surface like magma lines in stone.
