The ground split beneath Kyle's feet as the world tree surged with fury, lashing its roots toward Silvy's fleeing figure.
Without hesitation, Kyle stepped in, his sword a blur of motion as it cleaved through the snapping vines.
Mana flared around him like a burning shield, forcing the divine tree's attack to halt. Silvy turned once, eyes wide with horror, before Kyle shouted,
"Go! I've got this!"
From his shoulder, Lysander hissed low, a gleam of hunger in its eyes. The dragon leapt into the air and began to devour the leaking divine mana spilling from the wounded tree.
The world tree recoiled slightly, almost in pain—or perhaps in offense. Kyle glanced up at Lysander with a stern frown.
"Easy now. That stuff's tainted. Eat too much and you'll end up sick."
He warned.
Lysander let out a grumble but slowed its pace, nibbling reluctantly at the mana that seeped like blood from the roots.
