Duke, through the Slave Contract, clearly sensed that the Life Power inside the seed, which had been dormant for countless ages, was accumulating at an unprecedented speed, much like a riverbed dried up for numerous eons finally welcoming the flood from upstream.
When the last batch of Philosopher's Stones was completely absorbed, a faint, crisp sound emanated from within the Light Cocoon.
This sound of shell breaking seemed to be something that had been silent for too long finally deciding to awaken; it was life itself declaring its birth.
A very fine crack appeared on the surface of the Light Cocoon, extending from the top downward, growing larger and larger, as pale golden light burst forth from the crack, coating the entire spring and surrounding grassland in a warm golden hue.
Then the Light Cocoon split open, and a tender green sprout, only as long as a little finger, emerged from the crack. It appeared exceedingly fragile as if a gust of wind could easily break it.
