Time in the forest passed differently. Without clocks, the only way Taisho could tell days apart was by the steady rhythm of sunlight and darkness — and the system's daily notifications.
Each morning, the same line echoed in his mind:
[Photosynthesis complete. +0.1 EP gained.]
By now, he had around 3.7 EP. That meant roughly a week had passed since he woke up in this new body. Seven full days of existing as a tree.
He'd learned to identify insects crawling across his bark, the weight of birds landing on his branches, and even the vibration patterns of small animals burrowing nearby. It wasn't exactly exciting, but it was better than nothing.
Still, he could feel his human patience wearing thin.
"Seven days," he muttered to himself. "And I've earned… three point seven points. Great progress."
He sighed inwardly. "At this rate, I'll evolve sometime next century."
The system's voice interrupted his complaints with its usual mechanical tone.
[Host Mental Activity: High. Sustained consciousness without rest may lead to neural fatigue. Initiating mental equilibrium protocols.]
"Wait— what does that mean?" Taisho asked.
The response came instantly.
[New Passives Unlocked]
▸ Hibernate (Passive) — Allows host consciousness to enter a semi-dormant observation state. Biological functions continue normally. Host retains partial awareness and may intervene at will.
▸ Auto-Pilot (Passive) — Automatically regulates photosynthesis, nutrient absorption, and growth optimization during host's reduced focus state.
Taisho blinked mentally. "Semi-dormant observation state… so like sleeping with one eye open?"
[Affirmative. Consciousness may observe surroundings in slowed processing mode. Intervention possible anytime.]
"Oh. So it's like watching my own life on playback." He chuckled. "Guess that's better than being bored to death."
He decided to test it out. "Alright, system — activate Hibernate Mode."
[Acknowledged. Hibernate Mode: Active. Auto-Pilot Engaged.]
The shift was immediate. The constant rush of sensory information dulled to a calm hum. He could still feel sunlight hitting his leaves, roots drawing moisture, and insects crawling over him — but it all came through slower, like he was watching a recording of it instead of experiencing it directly.
He could even switch focus at will, zooming in on a vibration in the soil or the faint flicker of an animal moving through the brush. It wasn't sleep exactly — more like being in the back seat while his instincts drove.
"Huh," he thought, "this… isn't bad. Kind of peaceful, actually."
He let his awareness drift for a while, occasionally checking on his surroundings as Auto-Pilot handled the rest — managing water intake, root spread, and photosynthesis.
It wasn't exciting, but it worked. He was safe. Stable. Growing.
For the first time, Taisho didn't feel like he was struggling just to exist. Being a tree wasn't as boring as he first thought — especially now that he didn't have to stay awake all the time.
A few more days passed quietly. The system logs showed his Evolution Points ticking up little by little.
[Daily Photosynthesis Complete. +0.1 EP][Total EP: 4.3]
He was getting used to the routine — until one afternoon, something strange happened.
A faint tremor ran through his roots. Then another. It wasn't like the usual animals scurrying around. The steps were heavier, slower… and coming closer.
Taisho focused, using Soul Vision to extend his senses through the forest floor. He detected a small but lively energy signature moving between the trees.
"Huh? Something's out there," he thought, tightening his focus.
"That's not a boar… too light," he mused. "Maybe… a monkey?"
The presence stopped near his base. He could feel it — tiny movements, curious touches on his roots, the soft tug of hands exploring his bark.
Taisho stayed still, observing quietly. The creature didn't seem afraid, only cautious and curious.
"Well, this might be a good chance," he thought. "If it's intelligent enough… maybe I can finally try forming a real contract."
The system reacted almost immediately.
[Potential Contract Target Detected.]
[Would you like to initiate Familiar Bond Protocol?]
Taisho's focus sharpened. This was the moment he'd been waiting for.