Chapter 5749

After a moment’s quiet deliberation, Jared reached up and patted the creature’s bark-rough neck, letting a gentle thought ripple into its mind. “Stay here, old friend. Guard this sanctuary and cultivate well.”

Shock rippled through the ape’s colossal frame. It froze, then slowly turned its head, scarlet pupils widening with disbelief that melted into tidal gratitude.

Setting Jared and the small fire unicorn gently on the ground, the beast lowered its forearms and bowed three times, forehead thudding against the earth while a low, reverent whine vibrated in its throat-the highest oath a beast could offer.

Jared accepted the tribute with a quiet smile, then confirmed once more the direction the ape had shown him toward the forest’s edge. The giant nodded vigorously and rumbled its assurance.

“Take care.”

Without another hesitation, Jared gathered the small fire unicorn, his body flickering into green vapor that slipped between the trunks, leaving the basin-and the loyal ape-behind.

Guided by the ape’s bearings and his own far-reaching spiritual sense, Jared moved through the primeval canopy like a wisp of mist. He masked every heartbeat, refusing to provoke the jungle’s countless predators.