Rui's expression grew solemn at the possibility that the Elder Tree espoused. He trusted the tree so much that he didn't even consider that the tree might be incentivized to work against their plan if it demanded the removal of esoterics from Panama. Indeed, Rui remembered just how dependent on esoteric nutrition the Elder Tree was.
So much so that when the Beast Incursion happened and ruined the esoteric ecosystems that sustained the chemical cycles that kept the tree alive, it was forced to go into hibernation for the entirety of the Era of Darkness to almost freeze its metabolism so that it could survive.
It was deeply dependent on esoteric nutrition.
"Would you… resist an attempt at esoteric extraction of some sort?" Rui asked the tree straightforwardly with a serious tone. "Even if it comes at the cost of Gaia and all life and civilization?"
A hint of tension hung in the air as the Elder Tree remained silent for several moments.
