"So, this is the place, huh?"
The black-cloaked man stopped in front of a massive gate nestled between the enormous roots of the World Tree.
His gaze swept from top to bottom, studying the gate intently.
He had come for the World Tree—or, more precisely, to connect with its spirit and uncover something.
"But..." He frowned. "How do I get in? Should I destroy it?"
He stepped closer and laid a hand on the gate.
It felt solid and unyielding—breaking it by force wouldn't be easy.
As he stood there, lost in thought, the gate suddenly trembled, then slowly began to open.
Beyond it lay a long, cold corridor lit by torches lining either side. Silence filled the air.
The black-cloaked man paused in surprise, then chuckled softly and smirked.
"I didn't expect it to be this easy."
He had hesitated to destroy the gate outright, knowing it could draw the attention of the Elven race's powerful figures.
After all, they had existed for thousands of years.
