Max was deeply immersed in contemplation, refining the outline of a devouring path for his flames, when a subtle shift in the surrounding energy caught his attention. The oppressive fire of the twenty first layer had not changed in density, yet something within him stirred.
The Chaos Tree, which had grown quiet after the final bud matured into fruit, began to move again.
A faint pull formed inside his chest.
"What is going on?" Max frowned slightly as he focused inward.
He was certain that after all five buds had transformed into dark red fruits, the devouring process had stabilized. The fruits had hung calmly upon the flame branch, radiating condensed authority but no longer aggressively siphoning the surrounding laws.
Yet now, without his command, energy from the twenty first layer began flowing into him once more.
Curious and alert, Max turned his consciousness inward to examine the Chaos Tree.
What he saw startled him.
All five dark red fruits were glowing simultaneously.
