Reality is a construct.

Reality is a construct built on rules.

Reality, although a construct of infinitely strong durability, is built on bendable rules.

I believe that my dao roots, are like keys. Each of these keys allows me access to part of the main rules of reality.

Some of these rules appear similar, which makes me think that perhaps, what I have access to now, isn’t everything.

However, it’s enough.

Before a toddler flies, they must walk.

Before a Tree devours a universe, they must understand how to eat it.

I am patient.

…Sometimes.

Now that I have organized my theories and plans over the past few days, it is time.

Time to see what I have missed.

Reaching out with my power, Time’s Shadow flickers, directly showing me scenes from the recent past.

The travel through the Void.

The arrival.

The agreement.

The feedings.

Scenes flash by, each quickly understood and empathized with.

I realize that the recent swings between madness and sanity for Dryad must be a result of evolving.

Likely there would be no issue if she was actually surrounded by others of our race. They probably would have been able to ease her into the evolution, providing both support and experience to draw upon.

Sadly, I cannot do the same.

What I can do though, is in my opinion, better.

Now that I know Dryad, and by extension me, are from a race older than the history of most parts of the multi-verse, I can work backwards.

Yes.

I think I’ll take a trip down memory lane.

Time’s Shadow wraps around me as I channel a small portion of my soul into the distant past. While there may be no Ancient Dryads in existence now from which to learn from, that is merely an issue of the present.

I quickly work through the ancient history searching for something that can provide help to Dryad. Using genetic makeup as a ‘search’ tool, I follow the path of bloodlines backwards. Moving quickly, I am finally able to locate a planetary war between a race of insects and the Ancient Dryads. Searching carefully, I spot a dryad of our bloodline that acts similar to how Dryad does now. Focusing, I pull further into the past reaching backwards to read her history.

Eventually, I am able to reach the point where the ancient dryad received training to control her powers. Training methods flow into my mind, chants, rituals, and more. Everything I need to help Dryad is now at my fingertips.

This is the true power of Time at work, not merely able to help me in the present or future, but to pull from the very past itself to grow our strength.

With a soundless crack of energy I cut the connection to the past and fuse the fragment of my soul back into the whole. There is a moment of jarring disorientation before my enhanced mind re-orients itself. Information is processed, sorted, and finally a plan presents itself.

With this, I will be able to minimize the impact to Dryad, while at the same time increase her power even further.

The recent setback has shown me that as powerful as I am, I am not alone. There is no need to do everything by myself.

Since learning this is an isolated planet off the beaten path, there is no reason not to use the time appropriately.

First, we’ll crush the enemy’s leader. Then we’ll segment the populations into their favorite living areas. Humanity was lucky enough to have the honor of taking care of me during this time, so I’ll throw a few extra bones to them.

If I’m lucky there might be some half-elves on this planet, I can add throw them into the Vespar Leaf to assist S’neli. Goblins can go under Guido, and if there are any beastkin they can be taken care of by Mishra.

Humans….we’ll figure something out for them.

Now that I know demons are associated with the Void due to hiding there from the Ancient Dryad race, a great deal of their power becomes clearer. Void energy is the energy of ‘consuming’ a part of the process of ‘disorder’ that Chaos embodies. Just like Life is the process of ‘creation’ it is a fundamental power. This is probably the reason demons are extremely hard to kill, as their body is, at the most basic level, part of a ‘rule’ that allows the universe to function. Without the use of a higher order power, such as Chaos energy, it is impossible to ‘bend’ the rule that keeps them alive.

However, with proper use of Time’s Shadow I can cheat this type of immortality, burning away their very existence. There is no need to do so, as long as Vex understands her place in things, I think. She has done her best, insofar as a demon can be expected, to prevent issues that could have caused me problems. It is only fair to return the favor, besides, I can’t wait till Guido and Vex meet.

A demon and a goblin sit down at a table to bargain…

Sounds like the start of a good joke!

I can sense Dryad drawing closer, but what holds my attention the most right now is the group of human elemental mages.

They are standing outside the cavern right now, cloaked in what I can only assume is some type of invisibility spell. It would probably be more effective if they weren’t standing in a cavern full of plants. To put it in better perspective, it’s like they are standing in a crowd of black clothed people, while wearing white.

In short, I’m very aware of exactly where they are. I’m just not sure what they are hoping to accomplish. Looking over the group, I realize the Earth mage isn’t present. It appears at least one of them didn’t agree with whatever course of action they are doing.

***

“Garvon is weak. He isn’t willing to do what must be done. The dryad is a threat, the Tree its weakness. That demon is probably bluffing! We’ll take the tree hostage, and then the dryad will obey!” the Water Elder stated emphatically. Her voice resounded with righteous intonations.

The several other Elders nodded along with her. Garvon had been taken out of the picture with a well-placed drink laced with sleepwater. It was time to show these otherworlders who ruled here!

After emotions rose to a fever pitch, the Water Elder led the group into the White Tree’s cavern.

As they crossed the bridge to approach the tree the new Flame Elder paused for a moment sensing something. Even at this distance he could feel a strange heat emanating from the Tree. However, he decided it was merely the result of being in a cavern full of lava. After all, how could tree emit heat? Clearly the stress of the last few days was getting to him!

As the group walked through the chunk of land connected to the stone bridge, a single solitary figure barred their path.

***

I’m so happy!

So, so, happy!

Dryad copied me!

That’s right. My Dryad. Who always seemed to be a little know-it-all in some areas, copied, this Tree!

How can I tell?

Tsk. Wooden armor covered in my Runes? It’s practically a neon sign in the darkness.

However, hm….

These runes don’t seem to be very efficient. I should combine a few of my recent discoveries.

Yes…

Let’s experiment a bit!