The air thickened.
The light flickered.
Then he saw it.
A massive willow tree, its trunk splitting the concrete, its roots coiled like serpents. Hollow eyes glowed faintly on its bark.
Sunny froze.
> "Hmm... a human. What a pleasant surprise," a voice rumbled.
"Did you come to deliver your brain?"
Its tone was deep—mocking—and carried a terrifying intelligence.
Sunny tried to speak, but his body wouldn't obey.
The tree's branches crept toward him, slow and deliberate, like fingers tasting fear.
> "Interesting," the tree continued.
"You haven't awakened your train system. How baffling—you've survived this long without a train or becoming a slave."
It paused, as if pondering.
> "Listen, boy. I'll ask you two questions. Whether you live depends on your answers.
First: how do humans use their brains to think and act?
Second: I sense a faint potential in you. So here's my offer—awake your train system within two years, and within five more, upgrade it to Tier 22.
Don't bother running. I've taken part of your DNA and one percent of your subconscious.
No matter where you go, I can find you... and kill you... if you fail."
Sunny's mind raced.
The creature was intelligent—but unstable.
He took a deep breath.
> "Humans use their brains through thoughts—like instincts. You didn't think about asking those questions; the thoughts were already there. Imagination and awareness make our brains act.
As for your second question—it's not really a question. It's a mission.
Still, thank you for believing I can awaken my train system. Since my life's now tied to yours, I'll complete it. But... why me?"
Before he could blink, the tree vanished.
A deep voice thundered in his skull.
> "Seven years, kid... seven years..."
Then silence.
Sunny's legs gave out. He fell to the floor, gasping, mind spinning.
When his strength returned, he gathered his supplies and climbed out of the bunker.
The night above was cold.
Quiet.
Uncertain.