Three days remained until the day of merger. The Ring Structure had entered the outer region of the axis, its massive spiral form hovering not far above the small Spirit Tree, the light of the Twin Tree and the small Spirit Tree reflecting off each other, forming a peculiar resonance pattern. The entire Spirit Branch Tree world could feel the impending great change; a tense yet expectant atmosphere permeated the air.
The Bridge Academy had transformed into a merger guidance center, with hundreds of representatives from different regions gathering here to coordinate final preparations. The hall projected a real-time hologram of the Spirit Branch Tree world, the status of each region clearly visible—green representing full readiness, yellow indicating transition, red warning of problems. Encouragingly, green regions dominated the map, with only a few remote points still showing yellow or red.
"Latest reports show adaptation rates have reached 95.3%," Liya informed the assembled representatives. "The remaining regions are also actively adjusting; we expect over 98% of regions to complete transition preparations before the merger begins."
"All seven energy channels are fully open," Karlm added. "Energy flow is smoother and more harmonious than ever before."
Orlen stood on the central platform, listening to reports from various parties, occasionally asking questions or offering suggestions. These days, he had been in a peculiar state of calm. Through multiple visions from the small Spirit Tree's fruits, he had gained a deep understanding of the merger process, no longer fearing the unknown. But at the same time, he understood that foresight and experience were different—no matter how thorough the preparation, when the actual merger began, everyone would face unprecedented challenges.
"The final safety zones have been established," Adele reported. "Those who chose to temporarily evacuate their residence areas have all been properly settled. We anticipate about 2% of the population will need these temporary shelters during the merger peak."
"Insect colonies report an interesting phenomenon," Zik said. His shell had become more transparent over these months, almost allowing the internal energy flow to be seen. "Our larvae are showing morphological variations, no longer strictly following traditional developmental paths. Some larvae are beginning to develop photosynthetic tissues, similar to leaf dweller characteristics."
This wasn't an isolated case. Recent reports showed that new life of all races was displaying mixed traits—leaf dweller infants possessed stronger dark energy absorption abilities; darkened leaf dweller babies were born with green-tinged skin; newly hatched forest float tribe offspring had leaf vein-like patterns on their wings. These were all harbingers of life-level merging, portending the diverse possibilities of the future world.
The meeting continued until late night, ensuring every detail was considered, every possible problem had a response plan. When the last representative left, only Orlen and the core team members remained in the hall.
"Now, we need to discuss an important issue," Orlen said, his voice deep and firm. "About the moment of merger—each of our specific positions and responsibilities."
According to the small Spirit Tree's visions, the merger process would occur in three stages: first, contact—the Ring Structure and axis physically meeting, energy fields of the Twin Tree and small Spirit Tree beginning to intertwine; then, resonance—the energy of the two cores completely synchronizing, forming a unified pulse; finally, merger—complete unification at energy and material levels, creating a new form of existence.
"Each stage requires specific guidance and stabilization," Orlen explained. "We need to position guides at key nodes to help energy transition smoothly."
After careful consideration, they decided to divide into three core groups: Orlen would position himself with Taliya, two energy specialists, and one insect tribe sensor at the central axis, directly connected to the small Spirit Tree; Karlm would lead a group of root layer representatives and upper layer researchers at the convergence point of the seven energy channels, ensuring balanced energy flow; Adele would be responsible for coordinating the outer regions, monitoring the overall state, and handling any anomalies that might arise.
"There's another question," Karlm raised. "The post-merger world—how will we adapt? If everything happens as foreseen, our identities, abilities, even ideologies may change. Are we ready for that?"
This was a profound question, also a hidden concern for many. After a moment of thought, Orlen responded:
"I believe the merger won't eliminate our individuality, but elevate it to a new level. Just like those newborns we've seen, they possess mixed traits, but still maintain the basic characteristics of their respective races. We won't lose ourselves, but gain a richer, more complete existence."
"And," Adele added, "we've already demonstrated adaptability and creativity throughout this process. It's precisely these qualities that will help us find our place in the new world."
After the discussion, Orlen went alone to the small Spirit Tree. In three days, this tree—discovered by his mother, planted by his own hands—would meet its destiny's peak moment. It had grown from a seedling into a massive tree, nearly filling the entire axis space, its amber glow stronger than ever before.
He placed his palm on the trunk, closed his eyes, attempting to connect deeply with it once more. This time, he felt not just visions, but a deep emotion—gratitude, joy, anticipation, and a subtle hint of reluctance, as if the small Spirit Tree also felt both excited and nostalgic for the coming transformation.
"We've come such a long way together," Orlen said softly. "From that dark moment of the Withering Season to now standing on the threshold of a new world. Whatever happens next, I thank you for your guidance and companionship."
The trunk gently trembled, a drop of amber sap seeped from a crack in the bark, falling onto Orlen's palm. The liquid was warm and lively, forming a perfect circle on his skin, then slowly being absorbed. Instantly, a profound calm and strength filled his entire body; he knew this was the small Spirit Tree's blessing and preparation.
Over the next two days, the entire Spirit Branch Tree world entered a strange state of tranquility. Most daily activities paused; people began gathering together, sharing stories, expressing feelings, making final psychological preparations for the merger. Boundaries between different races had almost completely disappeared; former enemies became friends, former strangers became companions.
On the eve of merger, Orlen came to the viewing platform atop the Bridge Academy, gazing at the Ring Structure overhead. It was now very close, the outline of the Twin Tree clearly visible, its emitted energy waves perfectly synchronized with the small Spirit Tree's pulsations. Starlight and the Spirit Branch Tree's cold light intertwined, creating a transcendent beauty.
Adele silently came to his side, the light spots on her wings brighter than usual. "It looks so beautiful," she said softly. "Hard to imagine, tomorrow it will become history."
"Not an end, but a new beginning," Orlen responded. "Just as my mother understood about the Spirit Branch Tree—'never withering' doesn't mean staying unchanged, but creating new life through transformation."
They stood quietly for a moment, enjoying this final tranquility. Tomorrow, everything would change, but at this moment, on this eve of merger, all preparations were complete, all decisions made, only waiting and acceptance remained.
"Remember when I first found you, you were just an abandoned infant during the Resting Period," Adele said, her voice nostalgic. "Now, you've become the guide of this great transformation. Sera would be proud of you."
"I hope so," Orlen smiled. "But I think she would be prouder of what everyone has achieved together—not just me alone, but every participant, every life willing to change, willing to grow."
The night deepened, stars grew brighter. In every corner of the Spirit Branch Tree world, countless lives looked up at the sky, watching that hovering Ring Structure, contemplating tomorrow's changes, envisioning future possibilities. There was fear, anticipation, reluctance, longing—all these emotions intertwined, becoming the collective mood of the merger eve.
At midnight, an unusual phenomenon occurred—the small Spirit Tree and Twin Tree simultaneously burst into intense light, energy ripples spreading at an unprecedented rhythm, covering the entire Spirit Branch Tree world. Everyone could feel a warm energy flowing through their bodies, bringing a deep sense of calm and readiness. This lasted about a minute, then everything returned to normal, but that sense of calm remained.
"The final preparation signal," Orlen said softly. "They're telling us: the time has come."
He took a deep breath, sending a message to the core team: "Everyone in position, prepare to welcome the day of merger."
On his way back to his resting place, Orlen paused, taking one last look at this familiar world—the Bridge Academy building, the surrounding vegetation, the distant leaf islands, the starry sky overhead. Tomorrow, all this would change, becoming a completely new existence. Not loss, but transformation; not ending, but beginning.
Lying in bed, closing his eyes, he felt an unprecedented calm. Whatever tomorrow brought, he was ready. No longer the confused child of the Withering Season, but the guide of merger, the bridge connecting two worlds, the witness of new life.
The tranquility of the merger eve enveloped the Spirit Branch Tree world, like the last moment of peace before the great change. Tomorrow, when the Ring Structure met the axis, when the Twin Tree contacted the small Spirit Tree, a brand new chapter would begin.