The Otherworldly Tree

Once upon a time, a fertile planet, with a land-to-water surface ratio of 43 to 57, began to foster life. Evolution took hold, hastening the development of marine creatures.

Deep beneath the waters, a creature resembling a squid acquired intellect. Above the surface, trees started to proliferate after eradicating the giant mushrooms that formerly ruled. That's when an alien tree embedded itself in the planet's soil.

This extraterrestrial tree, with robust roots, began competing with indigenous trees that had banded together in resistance. Despite their efforts, the foreign tree's roots triumphed, uprooting the native trees.

The alien tree sprouted appendages mimicking the trees it had displaced, luring animals with their fruit. When creatures sought refuge in its shade, the tree ensnared them with its roots, suffocating and consuming them.

Meanwhile, in the ocean's depths, the squid discovered light and ascended towards the sun. It encountered a variety of unfamiliar creatures, none of which could match its intellect. They all paled in comparison.

The foreign tree continued its expansion, its height reaching an astonishing 5km—fifty times taller than any other tree. It cast a perpetual shadow over the landscape below.

Simultaneously, the squid finally breached the ocean's surface. As it basked in the sunlight, it felt the harsh heat of the land. In desperation, it willed a water bubble into existence to shield itself from the sun's rays. This was magic—manipulation of reality through sheer will.

The squid began to explore the land, meeting various creatures but none were its intellectual equal. It used them for sustenance and moved on, until one day it encountered a vast area shrouded in darkness. A colossal tree, beautiful and eerie, pierced the sky. The squid, drawn to its magnificence, moved towards the towering tree trunks, resting against one. Its instinct told it to flee just as the tree's roots began to stir. The squid was filled with dread. This was its first encounter with a predator of such ruthlessness.

Quickly, it retreated to the ocean depths. The tree dominated the sky, its shadow even cloaking the ocean. Gathering its courage, the squid resolved to confront the tree, but it was too late. The tree had encased the planet's surface, its roots sprawling underwater. Cornered, the squid discovered a tear in reality, a portal from which water continuously flowed. It was its only escape.

Two years later, the squid returned, having transformed into a human-like entity. It was resolute and, with its return, the alien tree was reduced to ashes. However, the squid had made a fatal error. The tree had also found the portal, giving it access to a new world and a new host to consume.