Roots of Immortality

What would you sacrifice for immortality? In this world, every step up the Golden Tree demands something in return. Memories. Flesh. Love. Identity. Ren never cared about immortality. He only wanted enough food to survive another winter. But when the Golden Empire forces him into a brutal selection, he discovers that survival is only the beginning. The higher he climbs, the more the Tree demands. Eventually, everyone reaches a price they cannot afford to pay. What to expect: slow-burn progression fantasy mystery-heavy worldbuilding brutal survival trials grounded fights and teamwork psychological and physical cost of power