The next day, Zich and his companions and Marilyn entered a nearby deserted forest. A heavy thicket of trees blocked the clear sky. If one viewed the area from above, they would only see green and no ground. Yet, a large hole formed in this ocean of green.

Crash! Another tree collapsed. Zich lifted the tree that fell over with one hand and threw it.

Thud! The tree landed on a pile of cut trees that his companions had already made. Zich stuck Windur upside down on the ground and looked around his surroundings. ‘This size is good enough.’

“I am done cutting trees now! Snoc! Pull out all the tree roots!”

“Yes!”

“I understand!” At Zich’s command, Hans stopped swinging Estellade and Snoc placed his hand on the ground. Ripples formed in the dirt like skipping stones making ripples in a lake.

Drrrr! The ground began to backflow where trees’ roots were firmly established. Like vapor rising from boiling water, the dirt started pushing outwards. Likewise, tree roots were pulled out of the earth, and Zich and Hans cast them to one side. Soon, a large vacant lot was created. Zich gestured with his hands—Hans, Snoc, and Elena moved away from the lot. Only...