The forest, or what initially looked like one, was coming alive.
And for some reason, it was the literal kind. The canyon writhed as the giant tree groaned, and the moss-tangled ground trembled beneath their mechas.
The very air turned viscous as an earsplitting shriek rippled outward from the tree Butler Gary had so innocently sliced. Echoes rang through the canyon, waking more than just dust and grime.
And at that point, one could visibly see the land bulging, as if something was threatening to come out from beneath it.
They didn't wait to find out.
"Everyone move!" Xavier barked as the roots the size of a tank began to uncoil.
Mechas fired into motion.
Thrusters flared. The entire party launched back into evasive formation midair, feet avoiding the spore-laced ground.
Because that would likely be a death sentence.
The moment the bark monster shrieked, the environment began reacting—not like a beast but like a biome that had decided to go to war.
