Time in the forest passed differently. Without clocks, the only way Alex could tell days apart was by the system's daily notifications.
A year passes.
Another year passes.
And another year.
Year 4
In the fourth year, a notification appears, instantly kicking me out of autopilot.
[You have level uped. ]
[Level : 2]
After the level up, I instantly felt like all of my body is strengthened and a euphoria like feeling washed up in my body.
Some time later calming my mind I decided to check what has changed and quickly called my status window.
Year 4 month 5
Host : Alex
Species : Normal Tree
Level : 2
Vitality : Healthy
Unique Skill : Tree Familiar
Skills : [Germinate, Hibernate, Auto-pilot]
Seeing there is no change aside from little strengthening of the body becoming more vigorous in health, he resumed the auto-pilot.
Time again started to pass as usual.
During this some time he came out of auto-pilot during spring time and he'd also learned to identify insects crawling across his bark, the weight of birds landing on his branches, and even the vibration patterns of small animals burrowing nearby. It wasn't exactly exciting, but it was better than nothing.
He was getting used to the routine — until one afternoon, something strange happened.
A faint tremor ran through his roots. Then another. It wasn't like the usual animals scurrying around. The steps were heavier, slower… and coming closer.
"Huh? Something's out there," he thought, tightening his focus.
"That's not a boar… too light," he mused. "Maybe… a monkey?"
The presence stopped near his base. He could feel it — tiny movements, curious touches on his roots, the soft tug of hands exploring his bark.
Taisho stayed still, observing quietly. The creature didn't seem afraid, only cautious and curious.
"Well, this might be a good chance," he thought. "If it's intelligent enough… maybe I can finally try forming a real contract."
The system reacted almost immediately.
[Potential Contract Target Detected.]
[Would you like to initiate Familiar Bond Protocol?]
Taisho's focus sharpened. This was the moment he'd been waiting for.