The Ring Structure continued its slow but steady movement, each day drawing a little closer to the axis than the day before. Three months had passed, and it had traversed the outer regions and entered the middle space. The changes triggered by this progress became increasingly apparent—energy tides flowed with new rhythms, ancient regions renewed themselves, newborn regions matured more rapidly. The Spirit Branch Tree world was undergoing a profound reshaping—not a violent destruction, but an orderly reorganization.
The Bridge Academy expanded its monitoring center, becoming the nerve hub of change. Data from various regions converged here, forming a constantly updating panoramic view of the Spirit Branch Tree world. Orlen and the core team worked day and night, monitoring changes, coordinating responses, guiding transitions.
"The latest reports show that stable energy zones have expanded to eighty percent of the total area," Liya reported, leading the data analysis team. "Adaptation plans are progressing smoothly in most regions, with resident participation at an all-time high."
"The root layer is particularly impressive," Karlm added. "Almost all darkened leaf dwellers have developed complete photosynthetic abilities, while retaining their unique dark energy absorption characteristics. This is an unprecedented dual energy mode."
Orlen nodded; this was exactly what he hoped to see—not one energy mode replacing another, but integrating the advantages of both, creating a richer and more adaptive new form.
"Insect colony settlements have also shown amazing changes," Zik reported, now the main representative of all insect tribes. "Our shells have become more lightweight and transparent, capable of partial photosynthesis. Meanwhile, larval hatching speed has increased, but aggression has significantly decreased, with a greater tendency toward cooperation and symbiosis."
These were all positive signs, indicating that the various life forms of the Spirit Branch Tree world were naturally transitioning toward a merged state. However, not all regions were progressing so smoothly. There were still some isolated areas that refused to accept change, adhered to tradition, and exhibited rejection reactions to the new energy flow.
"Three noble enclaves in the northern Cloud Top Layer still refuse to adjust their spirit-drawing towers," Taliya worried. "Energy disruptions are becoming increasingly severe there, potentially leading to regional instability."
"And seven insect colonies have chosen to enter dormancy, a state similar to hibernation," Zik added. "They believe they can wait out the merger and awaken when everything 'returns to normal.'"
Orlen understood these resistances and fears, but also felt time was pressing. According to the visions shared by the small Spirit Tree, the meeting of the Ring Structure and the axis would occur within two months, at which point changes would reach their peak. Those who failed to adapt would face severe challenges.
"We need more direct action," he decided. "We can't just wait for those regions to seek help. Send envoy teams to each problem area, providing direct support and guidance."
Just as the team was preparing to act, a communications officer hurried into the meeting room: "Orlen, the small Spirit Tree—it has produced new fruits, in unprecedented numbers! And they're beginning to glow!"
The small Spirit Tree had been bearing fruit since the "Dance of Resonance," but until now there had only been a few scattered amber fruits. If it was suddenly producing large quantities, it must signify some important change.
Orlen immediately went to the axis to check. The small Spirit Tree indeed was covered with fist-sized fruits, each emitting a strong amber glow. Most peculiar was that these fruits not only glowed but pulsed at a synchronized frequency, as if sharing a common heartbeat.
As Orlen approached, the light of all fruits suddenly intensified, their pulsing accelerated. A strong sense of calling welled up within him, prompting him to reach out and touch one of the fruits.
At the moment of contact, an unprecedented energy tide rushed into his consciousness. This wasn't just information or images, but an entirely new way of experiencing—he simultaneously perceived the past, present, and future, saw the complex causal network between things, understood the deep workings of the Spirit Branch Tree world.
In this expanded consciousness, Orlen saw the crucial moment to come: the Ring Structure would meet the axis in exactly fifty-seven days. At that moment, the Twin Tree and the small Spirit Tree would achieve physical contact, the energy fields of the two cores would completely merge, triggering the final transformation of the Spirit Branch Tree world.
But more importantly, he saw the role each life would play in this process. Those regions already adapted to change would become stabilizing factors, helping guide energy flow; those groups still in the adaptation process would experience accelerated transformation, possibly accompanied by brief but controllable discomfort; while those stubbornly resisting would face more violent impacts, possibly requiring external aid to transition safely.
When he returned from this expanded state of consciousness, Orlen found a number of people had gathered around him—Adele, Karlm, Taliya, and many residents attracted by the strange glow of the fruits.
"What did you see?" Adele asked softly, noticing the unusual light in Orlen's eyes.
"Everything," Orlen quietly answered. "I saw how the merger will occur, how everyone will be affected, and what we need to do to ensure a smooth transition."
He reached out to pluck that fruit, finding it weightless yet containing enormous energy. Suddenly, he understood the purpose of these fruits—they were carriers of foresight, able to let those who touched them briefly share the experience of expanded consciousness, understanding the full picture of the merger.
"These fruits are for everyone," Orlen said, "especially those still in fear and doubt. The small Spirit Tree wants everyone to be able to foresee the future, to make their own choices."
In the following days, a special plan quickly unfolded. The fruits of the small Spirit Tree were carefully harvested and sent to every corner of the Spirit Branch Tree world, especially to areas resisting change. Whenever someone touched a fruit, they would experience something similar to Orlen's—seeing their place in the merger, understanding the inevitability and harmony of change.
These fruits became the most powerful tools of persuasion. Many residents who had previously rejected change altered their attitudes after the experience, actively beginning to adjust their lifestyles and environments. The nobles of the Cloud Top Layer finally agreed to reconfigure their spirit-drawing towers; the dormant insect colonies began to awaken, joining the adaptation process; even the most remote and isolated regions began to open to the outside world, seeking guidance and help.
However, even with the help of these fruits, a minority of individuals and small groups still refused to accept change. They either feared losing their identity, worried about having no place in the new world, or simply instinctively resisted any form of change.
Orlen paid special attention to these cases, personally visiting multiple resistance points, attempting to communicate and understand. He found that behind each resistance was a specific reason, requiring individualized solutions. Sometimes it was providing more detailed information, sometimes designing special transition spaces, sometimes just listening and respecting, giving them enough time to adapt.
During one visit, Orlen encountered an ancient Leaf Priest who had been living alone on a remote leaf island for hundreds of years, refusing all outside contact.
"I have lived too long, witnessed too many changes," the old Leaf Priest said, his voice like rustling dry leaves. "Each time, people declare it is the ultimate progress, the perfect state. But what really happens is just one order replacing another, one group of privileged individuals replacing another."
Orlen didn't rush to refute, but quietly listened, then placed a fruit before the elder: "I'm not asking you to believe my words, but to see for yourself, then make your judgment."
The old Leaf Priest hesitated for a long time, but eventually touched the fruit. When he opened his eyes again, the indifference and skepticism had vanished from his gaze, replaced by a serene acceptance.
"I see now," he said softly. "This truly is different from the past. Not replacement, but merger; not control, but harmony. Perhaps, this time, we really can do better."
Each successful transformation strengthened Orlen's confidence. As time passed, more and more residents were no longer passively accepting change, but actively participating in it, contributing their knowledge and skills. The Bridge Academy established a "Merger Preparation Committee," gathering representatives from all regions to jointly plan the final stage of work.
Forty days later, when the Ring Structure entered the outer region of the axis, the Spirit Branch Tree world was fully prepared. The early panic and chaos had been replaced by organized and orderly action; isolation and estrangement had been replaced by extensive cooperation networks; passive waiting had become active creation.
Standing on the observation platform of the Bridge Academy, Orlen could clearly see the outline of the Ring Structure. It was no longer just a distant mysterious existence, but a clearly visible reality, drawing closer day by day. The light of the Twin Tree responded to the small Spirit Tree from afar, with energy exchange between them growing increasingly intense.
"Seventeen days left," Adele said quietly, standing beside him. "All predictions indicate that will be the day of the final meeting."
"Yes," Orlen nodded. "The day of merger is approaching."
He looked into the distance, his heart filled with emotions both excited and calm. Through the small Spirit Tree's fruits, he had repeatedly foreseen the scene of that moment—the contact of the two cores, the complete fusion of energy, the final transformation of the Spirit Branch Tree world. But foresight could not fully prepare him for the impact of the actual experience.
"Do you think we're ready?" Adele asked, her voice carrying slight concern.
"I think so," Orlen answered after a moment of thought. "Not because we know what will happen, but because we've learned how to face the unknown together. Throughout this entire process, the most important gain hasn't been knowledge or technology, but trust and cooperation—different races, different regions, different backgrounds learning to listen to each other, support each other, create together."
He looked at Adele, his eyes flashing with determination: "Whatever the merger brings, we will face it together, adapt together, grow together. That is true preparation."
Night fell, and the fruits of the small Spirit Tree twinkled like stars in the darkness, guiding every life toward that common destination—the day of merger, the moment of transformation, the birth of a new world.