The green light emanating from the center of the lake wasn't blinding, but warm and full of life. It spread throughout the cavern, and a true miracle began to unfold. Where the light passed, vibrant green moss began to grow on the cold, slick stone walls. On the lake's surface, pure white water lilies slowly bloomed. The foul stench of corruption was replaced by the fresh fragrance of damp earth and flora. This dead cavern was being reborn.
From the center of the glow, a figure slowly rose. It wasn't the withered, ancient tree trunk of the former Treant. Instead, it was a humanoid creature, about chest-high to Yanaki, crafted entirely from light brown living wood and vibrant green leaves. Its face was simple, with only two deep-set eyes that glowed with a green light. Its body was slender but looked very resilient.
[Covenant fulfilled! You have obtained your second familiar!]
[Name: ??? (Requires naming)]
[Species: Reborn Treant (Nature Spirit)]
[Level: 3 (Matches Master's level upon Covenant completion)]
[Description: The spirit of an ancient tree, freed from corruption and reborn in a new form. It carries the power of life and the resilience of nature.]
The Reborn Treant looked around, a little bewildered by its new form. Then, its green eyes settled on Yanaki. It felt the bond of the Covenant, felt the one who had liberated it. It stepped out of the lake, and with each step it took on the stone floor, it left a small, green mossy footprint. It approached Yanaki and bowed deeply, a gesture of gratitude and absolute fealty.
Yanaki smiled. She needed a name for this new companion. It was the embodiment of the forest, of life itself.
"I will call you Sylva," she said softly.
[Familiar has been named: Sylva.]
As soon as the name was confirmed, another unexpected notification panel appeared before Yanaki.
[Because you have revived a nature spirit instead of merely conquering it, you have been granted a "Choice of Life". You may guide the initial development of the Treant, Sylva.]
[Choose one of two development paths:]
[Stalwart Protector]: Sylva will develop defensive skills, focusing on protecting its master with a wooden shield, binding vines, and restorative abilities. (Role: Tank / Support)
[Thorned Predator]: Sylva will develop offensive skills, using sharp thorns launched from its body, agile movement, and attacks carrying plant-based toxins. (Role: Damage Dealer / Assassin)
A crucial choice. It would define Sylva's role and the entire party's strategy going forward. Yanaki thought quickly. Elara was an invaluable scout and support. She herself was the controller and strategist. She lacked someone who could stand in front of her, someone who could protect both her and Elara. The recent battles had shown just how vulnerable she was.
"I choose... the Stalwart Protector."
As soon as she made her choice, Sylva's body glowed faintly. Its wooden bark looked slightly thicker and more solid. From its left arm, a small, round buckler made of natural oak formed.
Yanaki immediately checked Sylva's status.
[Familiar: Sylva]
Level: 3
Type: Protector
Skills:
[Wooden Shield (Lv.1)]: Raises the shield to block a certain amount of physical damage.
[Binding Vines (Lv.1)]: Shoots vines from the ground to bind a target's feet for 2 seconds.
[Passive: Bark Regeneration]: Slowly recovers a small amount of HP per second when under light (sun or moon).
Perfect. A true tank with crowd control and self-healing. Her party finally had a sturdy shield.
Yanaki felt a sense of security she had never felt before. She was no longer a lone girl with an ethereal spirit. She now had a party.
She turned to Elara, who was still very weak, and placed a hand on her friend's shoulder. "It's over. Let's get out of here."
The three of them left the reborn cave together. As they stepped outside, the light of the two moons shone down. Yanaki could see the wounds on Sylva's bark slowly closing under the moonlight, thanks to its passive skill. Light was no longer just for illumination; it was now a source of life for her protector.
The stream outside was no longer dry. A clear, sparkling current was now babbling along, washing away the last traces of black sludge. Life had returned.
They began their journey back to the Willow of Memories, to witness the fruits of their labor, and more importantly, so that Elara could truly rest in her purified home.