CH203 Inefficient Conversion
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To the left of the portal lay the Bonsai grove, where arguably the most important guest of the Sanctuary Portal had rooted itself.
The leaves of the Heartwood Tree—simply called Bonsai by Alex—were as lush as ever.
Upon closer inspection, one could spot, at the crown of the tree and surrounded by its thickest, healthiest leaves, a nest woven from the Bonsai's own vines and twigs.
Resting in that nest were the Egg of the Nightmare Eagle and the Voidheart Core—both prizes Alex had brought back from his trip to the Dankrot Forest.
Alex walked up to the Bonsai Tree and placed his palm against its trunk in his usual greeting. The leaves rustled in response, and a lower-hanging branch brushed against his shoulder—an unexpected gesture.
It seemed the tree was growing more responsive the more he interacted with it.
That brief exchange over, Alex lifted his gaze to the top of the tree, excitement glinting in his eyes.
