Chapter 349: The World Tree [2] Lola agreed with the assessment, and they began moving carefully through the landscape toward the massive tree. The mana concentration increased with each step, creating pressure that would have been uncomfortable for anyone below adept rank. Within minutes, they had closed the distance significantly, reaching approximately two hundred meters from the World Tree’s base. Then something stopped them in their tracks. Five distinct presences radiated power from positions surrounding the tree, each one carrying the unmistakable signature of grandmaster rank. The beasts had positioned themselves strategically around the World Tree’s perimeter, apparently claiming territory or standing guard over the precious fruit. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞 Their eyes immediately converged on Noah and Lola as the new arrivals entered their territory. The attention made Noah feel uneasy, as he felt multiple predatory gazes assessing their threat levels and intentions simultaneously. Noah quickly identified the five competitors. A magnificent fox with two tails that shimmered with silver light stood to the east. An enormous turtle with a shell that appeared to be carved from jade occupied the southern position. What seemed to be a massive ethereal cat with translucent fur watched from the west. A colossal bear with fur that crackled with earth-element energy held the northern approach. A vibrant parrot with rainbow plumage observed everything with intelligent eyes. Then, to Noah’s absolute shock, the fox spoke with a voice that carried feminine amusement. "Well, well, what interesting specimens have wandered into our little gathering," the nine-tailed fox purred, her tone suggesting she already knew more about him than comfortable. "An archmage succubus and her curious companion. How delightfully unexpected. I wonder what secrets they’re hiding that would make them bold enough to approach the World Tree during fruiting season." The turtle’s voice rumbled forth next, ancient and patient. "All things arrive in their proper time. These newcomers are simply following the natural order, drawn by power as all creatures are. There is no need for hasty judgment or premature conflict. Let us observe and understand before acting." The ethereal cat’s contribution was dismissive and aloof, as if the entire situation barely warranted her attention. "More competition for the teardrop. How tedious. They’ll either prove worthy or they won’t. I care little either way, so long as they don’t interfere with my own intentions when the fruit finally ripens." The massive bear growled aggressively, his voice carrying obvious threat and territorial dominance. "More thieves come to steal what rightfully belongs to the strongest! I should crush them now before they become problems! Weak creatures have no place near the World Tree!" The parrot immediately repeated the bear’s words in a perfect mimicry. "Crush them now before they become problems! Weak creatures have no place near the World Tree!" Then the bird burst into raucous laughter that echoed across the clearing. The bear’s head whipped toward the parrot with murderous fury. "Mock me again, feathered pest, and I’ll tear you from that branch and use your bones as toothpicks!" The parrot laughed even harder but notably didn’t repeat the threat this time, apparently recognizing the limit of what the bear would tolerate. The bird’s eyes sparkled with mischief that suggested this was far from the first time it had deliberately provoked the aggressive bear. Noah and Lola exchanged glances, both recognizing the extraordinary nature of what they were witnessing. These weren’t ordinary grandmaster rank beasts—they were truly powerful and exceptionally intelligent creatures. Very few beasts ever developed the capability for human speech, regardless of their rank. The fact that all five guardians could communicate verbally marked them as rare specimens that had achieved extraordinary levels of cultivation. "They can speak," Noah said quietly to Lola, stating the obvious but needing to verbally process the implications. "That level of intelligence combined with grandmaster rank power makes them far more dangerous than the wolves or the Graphorn. These are creatures with genuine strategic thinking and communication abilities." Lola nodded grimly, her assessment of the situation becoming increasingly concerning. "Notice how they’re positioned around the tree in a defensive perimeter. This isn’t random—they’ve established territorial boundaries and are clearly prepared to defend their claims to the teardrop fruit. We’re not just facing powerful beasts, we’re dealing with intelligent competitors who have been planning and preparing for this moment." The fox’s voice carried across the distance again, her tone suggesting she had heard every word of their whispered conversation despite the separation. "Oh, how amusing. They think we can’t hear them plotting. Such adorable naivety from creatures so far from home."​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Lola responded to the fox’s mockery with a sharp edge to her voice that carried her own brand of confident derision. "Oh, I apologize profusely. I had mistakenly thought the old hag couldn’t hear us anymore at her advanced age. My sincere apologies for the confusion about your deteriorating senses." The parrot immediately burst into delighted giggles, clearly entertained by someone finally giving the fox a taste of her own medicine. The bear remained conspicuously silent, apparently choosing not to involve himself in verbal sparring between the two females. The ethereal cat raised a eyebrow with what might have been mild interest or amusement. The turtle’s ancient voice rumbled forth with patient concern. "There is no need for such hostility. We are all here for the same purpose. Unnecessary conflict only weakens us all before the true challenge begins." The two-tailed fox’s silver fur bristled slightly, her earlier amusement replaced by something colder and more dangerous. "Your power is certainly impressive for a demon, I’ll grant you that much. The archmage at your age suggests considerable talent and dedication. But you shouldn’t let those accomplishments make you cocky, little demon. I’ve burned demons far more older and more powerful than you to cinders." Lola’s ruby eyes flashed with competitive fire as she fired back without hesitation. "Is that what you tell yourself to feel better about guarding fruit like a common watchdog? How about you stay seated, hoping some residual energy might rub off. How many decades have you been camping here waiting for scraps, grandmother?" The fox’s tails lashed with barely contained fury at the pointed insult, her demeanor cracking to reveal genuine anger beneath. The clearing’s tension increased dramatically as the verbal exchange threatened to escalate into actual combat.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​