Malakai had to fight the urge to sit down and train on the spot. Still, he kept his pace steady.
Once he reached the tree, he felt overwhelmed. No matter where he looked, right, left, even upward, he couldn't see the end.
The guards didn't stop him as he approached the entrance. And as he stepped into the darkened path between them… the world inside lit up.
Malakai found himself standing before what could be better described as a Sanctum. A vast chamber carved into the heart of the massive tree.
Unlike the smaller homes woven from bark and branches, this space was alive with an overwhelming sense of nature.
Intertwined roots coiled along the floor and walls, like ancient limbs frozen mid movement. Giant leaves hung from the ceiling like chandeliers, glowing faintly.
The walls themselves throbbed with soft pulses of Vita, and the scent of moss and bark filled the air.
Malakai had been here just that morning, but his mind had been too distracted to notice the grandeur.
