Chapter 26: Thorny

As the amount of spiritual power infused approached 100, the bond between Ram and the Thorn Spire Vine grew extraordinarily strong.

He could feel its emotions, its will to grow, and its desire to protect. It was as if the plant had developed a rudimentary consciousness, a spark of life that resonated with his own.

The vine shuddered and pulsed with a radiant light. Then a familiar holographic interface appeared, flashing with new information:

[Physique: 3]

[Spirit: 1 (0.8^)]

Ram's heart raced as he read the interface. "A Wood Spirit..." he whispered. The transformation that followed was nothing short of miraculous.

The vine glowed with an intense light, its vines shifting and coiling as it absorbed the surrounding Reiki.

Leaves and thorns melded into a more refined shape, and the plant began to take on a humanoid form.

A face emerged from the foliage, its eyes glowing with soft, green light, and delicate limbs formed from intertwining vines and leaves.

As the light subsided, Ram found himself face-to-face with a newly born Wood Spirit.

It was very small, slightly larger than the size of his fist, with human-like characteristics, a beautiful face, and a perfect figure.

The Wood Spirit had long, flowing hair that transitioned from pink to red, resembling petals or leaves.

Her green skin featured pink and white markings reminiscent of petal patterns. Elongated, vine-like limbs extended from her body, and tendrils sprouted from her head.

The Wood Spirit looked up at Ram with bright, intelligent eyes, and he could feel the profound connection they shared.

She floated gracefully, her tendrils and vines moving with a fluidity that seemed almost magical.

He gently extended his hand towards her, feeling the warmth and vitality emanating from her tiny form.

As he made contact, a surge of understanding passed between them. The Wood Spirit communicated wordlessly, her thoughts blending with his own.

Ram sensed her curiosity about the world around her, her innate connection to nature, and her determination to protect and grow alongside him.

[ Name: Thorn Spire Vine]

[ Level: Black Iron (Tier-1)]

Ram gazed at the holographic interface, particularly focusing on the "+" sign indicating potential for future improvements.

His mind raced with possibilities for enhancing the quality of the Thorn Spire Vine.

He understood intuitively that unlocking this new function would require fulfilling certain conditions, possibly involving further spiritual power infusion, nurturing the Wood Spirit's growth, or discovering new aspects of their bond.

Ram's heart raced as he read through the interface again, his eyes catching on another significant change: the Thorn Spire Vine had unlocked a new talent.

Just like humans had a chance to awaken talents, once a spiritual plant turns into a wood spirit it has a chance to unlock hidden talents.

He realized the implications of the Vine Grapple talent. It provided a versatile tool for both offense and defense, enhancing their strategic options in navigating challenges and combat.

Ram stretched his hand forward, gently rubbing the Wood Spirit's head with his fingers.

It responded with a soft, comforting glow, her eyes reflecting warmth and trust.

"From now on, you will be called Thorny," Ram said, his voice filled with affection. The Wood Spirit, though unable to speak, radiated a palpable excitement at her new name.

Thorny floated around him, her tendrils and vines extending and retracting with ease as she tested her new form.

Her bright eyes gleamed with intelligence and curiosity, reflecting her joy.

Despite her immaturity, akin to a newborn child, Thorny displayed an intelligence comparable to that of a 5- to 6-year-old human child.

She understood Ram's words, reacted to her surroundings with keen awareness, and showed a sense of playfulness that endeared her to him even more.

Ram marveled at the fact that Thorny's strength surpassed that of average Tier 1 professionals, despite her small and seemingly delicate form.

Her potential was immense, and he couldn't wait to see how she would grow and develop alongside him.

He spent the next few hours with Thorny, guiding her through simple exercises to test and refine her abilities.

They practiced extending and retracting her vines with precision, experimenting with the reach and strength of her Vine Grapple talent.

Despite her youthful exuberance, Thorny demonstrated a remarkable aptitude for learning and adapting.

Throughout their practice session, Ram encouraged Thorny with words of praise and gentle guidance.

He observed small parts of her skin that were covered by green leaves shimmered under the sunlight filtering through the canopy above, as her pink and white markings resembled delicate flower petals.