Chapter Thirty-Three: The Carved Eagle and the Squirrel

Morning had just broken, and the rain and dew had paused for a while.

At this moment, a squirrel cautiously poked its tiny head out of a hollow within a guardian oak tree. Its eyes gleamed with curiosity as it observed the tranquil sky outside, and only then did it leap boldly from its den. No sooner had it darted out than twelve more squirrels followed, emerging from the same hollow in quick succession.

These squirrels had sleek, green fur and moved with nimble, swift steps. Almost immediately, they scattered purposefully across the branches of the guardian oaks, bounding their way up to the massive trunk of the central oak, the incarnation of the seasons. Climbing along the deeply furrowed bark of the three-hundred-meter-tall oak, the squirrels reached the treetop with effortless speed within minutes.

Standing atop the crown, each of the thirteen squirrels found their way to a gemstone flower blooming on the oak. In the heart of these flowers, droplets of rain had gathered. These droplets, infused by the flower’s core, exuded an irresistibly alluring fragrance.

Without a hint of hesitation, the squirrels began to sip the sweet nectar from the flowers, taking small, measured drinks. Once a flower was emptied, they hurried to the next, repeating this ritual until their thirst was satisfied.

Just then, a flock of birds, darkening the sky like a passing cloud, descended. Upon arrival, they mimicked the squirrels, sipping the nectar droplets from the flowers. Most of these birds paid no mind to the squirrels, but four eagles soaring overhead, watching their subjects breakfast, did not ignore the thirteen squirrels.

The eagles swooped down, circling above the squirrels and crying out with shrill, commanding calls—part warning, part intimidation. Yet the squirrels showed no fear. All thirteen stood upright, chirping back in defiance, their eyes shimmering with cunning.

Predictably, the squirrels’ provocation enraged the eagles. With a piercing cry, one eagle dove toward them. In that instant, led by their chief, the squirrels deftly flipped aside the leaves and slipped beneath the thick, expansive foliage of the oak.

The incarnation’s leaves were so dense that the eagles, hindered by their inherent limitations, could not penetrate them.

So, after their failed charge, the four eagles could only perch atop the leaves, continuously calling out in anger down toward the hidden squirrels. From beneath the leaves, the squirrels’ taunting cries echoed back.

For a time, the scene atop the crown was both amusing and oddly captivating for Ji Yu. Around them, many birds continued to drink the fragrant nectar, unfazed by the racket between the eagles and squirrels. They had grown used to these quarrels, the daily exchange of insults between the two, and paid it no mind.

At first, some birds, obeying the eagles’ commands, would squeeze under the leaves to teach the impudent squirrels a lesson, but the outcome was disastrous. The dense foliage restricted their movements, rendering them clumsy. Humiliated, they suffered indignities—fur plucked by the squirrels, or heads sent spinning by their foul-smelling flatulence.

After several such encounters, the birds abandoned any attempt to confront the cunning squirrels.

The birds may have surrendered, but their kings, the four eagles, refused to relent. Their status had been challenged, and, with so many “subjects” watching, they were determined not to lose face.

Thus began a long-standing feud: the squirrels and the eagles continued their daily shouting matches. Occasionally, a bold squirrel would poke its head through a gap in the leaves, teasing the eagles. As soon as an eagle rushed in, the squirrel would dart back beneath the foliage, like a game of whack-a-mole. Ji Yu and Adam watched, laughing.

“These little creatures are truly delightful,” Ji Yu remarked, “They make every day feel so lively.”

“Indeed,” Adam replied, “Though their boldness grows with each passing day. It won’t be long before they lose a few companions.”

“Yes, they are getting too daring,” Ji Yu agreed, glancing at the eagles’ sharp talons and their increasingly expressive eyes. He understood Adam’s concern. While the squirrels seemed to have the upper hand, they were dancing on a knife’s edge. If the eagles became clever enough to devise a scheme, the squirrels' inflated confidence might lead to disaster. It wouldn’t take much—just a single squirrel caught, and with a squeeze of their talons, the eagles could easily claim a life and restore their pride.

Ji Yu hoped never to witness such a scene, but he didn’t wish to take sides either. The birds contributed to the rainforest in their own way, while the squirrels, though charming, brought little benefit to the forest surrounding the oak.

So Ji Yu remained silent. Adam, the oak, however, formed his own thoughts. Whatever his father cherished, he would protect. These were thoughts Adam kept to himself, his nature dictating such reticence.

Watching the ongoing exchange between squirrels and eagles, Ji Yu gradually let go of his amusement. He turned to Adam and said,

“In four days, I may not return here for a while. There are matters I must attend to. In my absence, Adam, you must be extra cautious. The world of humans poses quite a challenge for you now.

Of course, though I won’t be visiting for some time, if you encounter anything difficult or anything significant happens, you can always inform me.

This is both a trial for you and a crucial step in your growth. Though I created you and imparted knowledge, only through real experience will it become your own. I hope you embrace this step.

And you needn’t worry too much—I will always be watching over you.”

Ji Yu’s sudden words left Adam unprepared. Upon hearing Ji Yu’s initial declaration about not returning soon, Adam felt a surge of anxiety, fearing he had somehow disappointed his father.

But as Ji Yu continued, Adam’s unease gradually subsided. He was silent for a long time, his thoughts swirling. In the end, he spoke with a heavy heart.

“I understand, Father. I will not let you down.”

“Good,” Ji Yu replied, “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.”

“Yes, Adam understands.”