Wizard: Starting from the Skill Tree-Chapter 561: Mission Complete

When all the Level 1 Insect Race Hearts had been completely absorbed, although the World Tree Seed appeared more lustrous and full, it still showed no sign of sprouting.

The awareness it transmitted, while satisfied, still carried a yearning for more and higher-quality energy.

Duke took a deep breath and began to take out the Level 2 Insect Race Heart.

The Level 2 Insect Race Heart was massive, its surface covered with large, vein-like energy paths, containing within it a life energy as majestic and volatile as a volcano.

With a wave of his hand, Duke lifted the house-sized Level 2 Insect Race Heart and slowly submerged it into the Spring of Life.

It was as if a mountain had crashed into the spring; the entire Spring of Life didn’t just ripple but erupted with towering waves.

The water’s glow instantly became solid, the emerald green light beams bloated several times over, and the life runes within flickered, disintegrated, and reformed at an unprecedented speed.

The terrifying life energy burst forth like a tsunami, then was instantly absorbed by the seed within the Spring of Life.

The World Tree Seed, as if receiving the ultimate stimulus, trembled and spun wildly, the lines on its surface shining like tiny suns.

It was no longer inhaling and exhaling energy but greedily devouring the tsunami of life like a bottomless abyss.

The inner aura no longer flowed but transformed into a violent energy vortex.

Duke did not pause, placing the remaining four house-sized Level 2 Insect Race Hearts into the spring, one after another.

Each drop caused an even more intense energy explosion.

The Spring of Life seemed to become a purgatory of energy, where light and heat, life, and the power of creation wildly intertwined and collided.

The vegetation within the Divine Court Space, under the baptism of energy, grew crazily and mutated, with even a small fraction beginning to emit faint spiritual waves similar to intelligent life.

The animals lay in worshipful reverence, prostrating towards the direction of the Spring of Life.

When the energy of the fifth Level 2 Insect Race Heart was also completely devoured by the seed, the intense commotion gradually subsided.

This wasn’t the first time the World Tree Seed absorbed a Level 2 Insect Race Heart, but the commotion was far greater than before, and the absorption speed was dozens of times faster.

It was probably because, after the seed’s revival, its overall activity increased, leading to a significant boost in its energy absorption rate, resulting in such a situation.

The five Level 2 Insect Race Hearts were completely absorbed in just a few minutes.

Each Level 2 Insect Race Heart contained an immense amount of life energy, and to absorb five of them in such a short time is beyond ordinary capability.

Such a vast amount of life energy, infused in such a short time, would be enough to physically burst a typical Level 2 Life.

However, the World Tree Seed didn’t feel full at all; these five Level 2 Insect Race Hearts seemed like just a meal to it, far short of its needs.

It seems the World Tree Seed is still a long way from sprouting, even after investing so many Insect Race Hearts, it’s still not enough.

This was also within Duke’s expectations; while these resources were plenty for him personally, for an existence like the World Tree, they’re merely a drop in the bucket.

...

After a short stay on the Green Grass Island, dealing with some trivial matters and confirming that the sea clearing mission had essentially entered the final phase, Duke began to pack his belongings to embark on the journey back to the Florence Continent at his temporary residence.

Outside the window, the afterglow of the setting sun bathed the room in a warm yellow hue, signaling the imminent moment of departure.

Just as he arranged a stack of parchment recording some magic usage insights and Water Flow Shadow observation data, a gentle knock sounded at the door.

"Come in," Duke said without looking up, thinking it was a servant on Green Grass Island or a liaison from Black Sail.

The door opened softly, and a light, familiar fragrance entered before the figure. Duke lifted his head, his gaze slightly pausing.

Standing at the door was Lily.

She was clearly dressed up, or perhaps strategically chose her attire.

Lily was not wearing her usual action-friendly wizard robe, instead she donned a deep purple, scantily clad silk slip dress.

The fabric of the dress was soft and form-fitting, perfectly outlining her alluring curves.

The hem was very short, just reaching the base of her thighs, revealing her straight, long legs shining with an ivory glow in the dim light.

The slipped shoulder straps revealed her round shoulders and exquisite collarbone, with the dress’s neckline opening low to hint at a deep gorge.

Her hair lay free and mildly curled, seemingly with light makeup on her face, her eyes swirling with a charm subtly different from her usual brisk style.

Lily leaned against the doorframe, barefooted, her toes painted a bright crimson, forming a striking visual against the deep purple dress.

"Lord Duke..." Lily called softly, her voice softer than usual, tinged with a barely noticeable huskiness.

Her gaze fell on Duke, searching for words, her normally bright and confident eyes now woven with complex emotions, showing hesitance and perhaps, a bolder hope.

Duke paused his actions, the room’s air seemingly growing thick and ambiguous due to her presence.

The setting sun’s afterglow outlined her captivating silhouette, rendering those graceful curves even more breathtaking. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

He could clearly smell her familiar scent mixed with a fresh post-bath fragrance, and he could also feel the heat in her gaze.

"Lily," Duke’s voice remained steady, "what’s the matter?"

Lily didn’t immediately respond, gently biting her lower lip—this unconscious little act appearing especially enticing in her current attire.

She stepped forward a few paces, coming so close to Duke he could feel the warmth from her and the subtle rise and fall of her chest under the silk slip.

"You’re... leaving tomorrow?" she asked, lifting her eyes to meet Duke’s, her gaze seemingly laced with hooks.

"Yes, the mission is over, it’s time to return," Duke replied, his gaze calm as he met hers.

"Will there be a chance to meet again in the future?" her tone carried an unmistakable note of loss and a hint of an all-or-nothing gamble.

Lily’s attire tonight and her words at this moment almost fully revealed her intentions.

Duke was very aware that with a mere gesture, Lily would be his tonight.