"Thank you, Senior Willowthorn," Vaan expressed his gratitude after the Elder Spirit offered to help him achieve the Wood Spirit Body for Emerald.
Given each magical plant in the Garden of Thyia was like an unborn Wood Spirit, it wasn't an opportunity the Elder Spirit would give to just anyone.
After all, it was no different from killing an unborn Wood Spirit to raise his body's wood affinity to the Wood Spirit Body level, no matter whichever magical plant the Elder Spirit picked for him.
However, Vaan had underestimated the Elder Spirit's values; the Wood Spirits would never harm one of their own.
When Vaan arrived at the Elder Spirit's humble dwelling spot, the latter suddenly inflicted self-harm to extract a portion of wood essence from his humanoid body.
"Senior Willowthorn, you…" Vaan uttered with surprise.