The ancient cave was deathly silent.
The thick rock walls isolated all sound; there was neither the whisper of wind nor the drip of water.
Colin stood silently near the towering ancient tree, without making any movement.
A sharp branch hovered behind him, but instead of pressing its tip against him, it gently encircled his waist.
Yet, even so, Colin dared not make any sudden moves.
Swish.
The branch floating behind him unconsciously moved forward a bit.
Colin's muscles tensed as he stepped forward, almost reaching the base of the ancient tree, leaving only about a meter's distance from its deformed, slender trunk.
Just moments ago, he had also "voluntarily" walked step by step to the side of this malformed ancient tree.
"Tree..." Colin thought silently; he bowed his head and gazed at the armor he wore, unsure whether he should feel fortunate...
